'It's honoring': Raymond named NHL's Second Star for week ending Jan. 15

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Lucas Raymond's offensive talent was on full display last week, as the 20-year-old forward played a key role in helping the Detroit Red Wings enjoy a winning homestand.

And on Monday, Raymond was officially recognized by the NHL for his efforts.
Raymond was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week
for the week ending Sunday, Jan. 15, marking his first such honor from the league.
Seattle Kraken goaltender Martin Jones and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov were recognized as First and Third Stars, respectively.
"It's always fun, but we're pretty focused on what we're doing here as a group," Raymond told
DetroitRedWings.com
on Tuesday. "It's honoring, but at the same time you don't focus on it that much. You focus on what we're doing here and what we're trying to accomplish."

Raymond kicked off Detroit's three-game homestand last week with two straight three-point games, notching a goal and two assists in both a 7-5 victory against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 10 and a 4-1 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 10.
Raymond's game-opening tally against Toronto was his 35th career NHL goal, tying Red Wings legend Gordie Howe for the third-most by any Detroit skater before the age of 21.
The Swedish left winger then capped his impressive week with a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 14.
Raymond, who was the Red Wings' fourth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, credits his success this season to just "sticking with it."

"Trusting that what I do out there are the right things," said Raymond, who is the first Red Wings skater to be named the NHL's Second Star of the Week since Anthony Mantha did for the week ending Oct. 6, 2019. "Just being curious every day, trying to get better and being focused to try to get better as a player, both on and off the ice."
A key piece of Detroit's talented young core, Raymond has 30 points on 13 goals and 17 assists in 43 games this season. He established himself as one of the NHL's brightest young stars in 2021-22, finishing third among rookies in points (57), fourth in assists (34) and tied for second in goals (23).

According to Raymond, he is learning a lot about himself as he continues his second NHL season.
"It's a long season, so it's about managing your game and playing the right way," Raymond said. "I think that's the biggest thing because once you start looking for offense, it usually doesn't come."