In the absence of Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond has emerged as the team’s go-to forward for all situations. Raymond’s entry-level contract (ELC) will expire at the end of this season, and the third-year forward is poised for a significant rise.
Raymond is available to sign a new contract at any time. Here, we’ll look at what that contract may look like in terms of length and salary.
However, the Red Wings are in control. They wield the majority of the power in this specific negotiation. The only thing going against them is that other priorities, such as signing internal and external unrestricted free agents, are contingent on knowing how much cap room they will have after Raymond’s (and Moritz Seider’s) new contracts are finalised.
These leverage points will have an impact on negotiations about comparables, duration, and salary, all of which are likely to be contested by both sides.
Comparables might be interesting. Raymond’s reps will most certainly refer to others with a similar pedigree – high first-round draft picks who play key roles on their respective clubs. Cole Caufield and Matt Boldy are two players who match that criteria.
Another method to comparables is statistical comparison, which is presumably what the Red Wings will employ. Players with similar statistical characteristics include Troy Terry and Casey Mittelstad.
Of course, comparables have an impact on both parties’ term and compensation suggestions. Term, in particular, will be a key discussion point. Will both parties prefer a long-term agreement? Or a shorter bridge contract? According to conventional opinion, Raymond will want to capitalise on a successful career year with a long-term contract extension. But, again, only he and his representatives understand what he wants.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s move on Raymond’s contract projectio.
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