As the offseason proceeds, the Detroit Red Wings have yet to conclude contracts with restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, their two most important additions this summer. These contracts are significant because they have the ability to alter the team’s long-term cap structure, as does Dylan Larkin’s contract, which goes until 2031. Long-term contracts would cover Seider and Raymond’s peak earning years, thus it is critical that the Red Wings get it right.
Sportsnet’s Luke Fox shed light on the current situation of discussions. Seider compares Ottawa’s eight-year, $64.4 million contract with Jake Sanderson to Buffalo’s expensive offers to Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. An upcoming eight-year deal for Seider might make him the highest-paid
The increased salary cap, both this year and in the future, has contributed to the delay in his deal. Negotiating agreements that last up to eight years can be difficult due to potential differences in what constitutes a fair bargain under the new cap structure.
Meanwhile, Raymond’s situation might see the Red Wings take a different approach, potentially involving a mid-term deal. GM Steve Yzerman has already shown he’s not afraid to do mid-term deals and Fox cited Alex DeBrincat’s four-year, $7.875 million contract as a comparable.
Raymond’s production is expected to improve in 2024-25 despite a likely shooting percentage regression. That doesn’t mean he’ll have a down season. As Max Bultman of The Athletic points out, with a career average of 14.8 percent, even a dip to his rookie rate of 12.5 percent could be offset by increased shot volume.
Raymond’s commitment to the team remains strong, as he affirmed, “I love this team, I love the city, and I want to be here.”
These Deals Will Get Done, But the Red Wings Aren’t Rushing Things
The Red Wings are confident deals will be finalized, but the term each agrees to might be what both sides are working on sorting out. For Seider, the priority will be on a long-term agreement, and for Raymond, that’s not as much of a guarantee.
