The Detroit Red Wings have completed their second training session in Sweden.
The club’s legendary Swedish players flock to the stands.
– Being able to talk to “Zata” in everyday life is very cool, it helps me a lot, says Lucas Raymond.
21-year-old Lucas Raymond is in his third season with the Detroit Red Wings.
The right-handed forward is one of the best players on the Michigan club, which has had a good start to the season.
At his post in Sweden, he takes the opportunity to thank Henrik Zetterberg for the help he has received on and off the ice.
– He’s so cool, I grew up with him as an idol. We’ve made a lot of connections actually. He’s been in Detroit for a long time, and I try to talk to him as much as I can. Lucas Raymond says: He’s a tough guy.
“Take as much as you can”
Although “Zäta” does not have an official role with the Detroit Red Wings, he is there and backed up with his experience.
1/2Photo: Jesper Zerman/BuildBerron
On weekdays, he lives in Ángelholm and also has a close connection with former club Timra.
– You feel a little nervous at first when you watch him a lot on TV and read about him. “I try to absorb as much as I can,” Lucas Ramond says.
In the stands during training at the Globe and in the locker room afterward were general manager Steve Yzerman, assistant general manager Niklas Lidstrom, European player developer Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Eriksson and Mikael Samuelsson.
Involuntary evidence
Lukas Raymond, with Frölunda as the parent club, is the only Swedish player who is with the squad to Sweden.
They arrived on Sunday and had a completely free day on Monday.
It was spent walking in the city, visiting restaurants and having coffee.
Lucas Raymond became the leader of the involuntary tour and a mentor to his colleagues.
– Most of the time, it’s not me who needs to be a guide, but usually just relating to others. I try to remind them that I’m not from this city. I’m from Sweden, it’s not the same. I think it’s great here, I love Gothenburg but Stockholm is a beautiful city too, says Lukas Raymond.
In addition to coffee, he takes the opportunity to offer them some other Swedish specialties.
-I try to show them and introduce them to Swedish food. They like it a lot here so far. For me, it’s nice to speak a little Swedish and be able to eat Swedish food and drink Swedish drinks. “I love meatballs, sweets and Swedish cake,” says Lukas Raymond.
“Two important matches”
On Thursday the Senators are waiting in Ottawa, and on Friday there is a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
– It will be a big deal. It’s a bit special to be here and play two matches, which are also important matches. It’s fun to meet family and friends here, says Lucas Raymond.
In the first 15 games of the season, Lucas Raymond scored eleven points (five goals, six assists).
The Detroit Red Wings team ranks fourth in the Western Conference with 18 points from 15 games.