Lucas Raymond Honored as NHL’s Best Rookie in November

The Detroit Red Wings are 2-for-2 in NHL Rookie of the Month Honors. Lucas Raymond was named the league’s top rookie for the month of November.

Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider received the NHL Rookie of the Month acclaim for October.

Lucas Raymond tallied five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 14 games in November. He leads all rookies with 21 points in 23 games. That places him 23rd overall in the NHL scoring race. Raymond has played on Detroit’s top line since opening night.  Red Wings vice president Jim Devellano says Raymond has some of the traits Steve Yzerman had in his early years with the Red Wings.

“He’s smart, he’s hard, he’s competitive,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “Those are great qualities to have and it’s allowed him to have success.”

One of the players he beat out for the November was teammate Alex Nedeljkovic (6-2-1, 2.24 GAA and .934 save percentage). Nedeljkovic was a finalist for Rookie of the Year last season when he played for the Carolina Hurricanes. But he still meets the criteria to be considered a rookie this season.

Zegras Was In The Hunt

Other rookies in consideration for November:  Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (4-5—9 in 11 GP), New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (3-6—9 in 13 GP), Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Michael Bunting (3-6—9 in 14 GP) and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (5-2-0, 2.30 GAA, .914 SV%) for the honor.