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Just a couple of hours after I posted this, there was a release covered by PHR:
progress with Raymond being made.
Per the 4th period (Pagnotta):
Pagnotta added that talks between Raymond and Detroit have picked up over the last 10 days, but that the two sides are, “still grinding away at it.” The Red Wings kick off training camp on September 18th.
We all know where things are at. Bloggers and even some respectable writers are hitting a “panic” button on Lucas Raymond. Everyone claims a source, or at least 3 to 4 degrees of separation. At one point I reached out to one of two people who have never given me a bad tip about a month ago. All the focus was on Seider, Raymond didn’t have anyone “worried”.
Neither are signed and in a week the players will start pouring into Traverse City. If you get a chance, get there. Apart from golf, sailing and of course hockey, there are more than a dozen vineyards and some beautiful beach sunsets to be taken in. As far as the imported variety goes, team Sweden seems to have a hiccup that seems to outweigh the concern that Seider’s deal will be done.
Agents are pushing at 93m and up to 100m as negotiating points. GMs and owners are seeing some things on the horizon including another carriage deal falling apart and 10b going to the NBA and WNBA each season from the same broadcasters that give NHL 500m (7.25 NBA, 2.5B WNBA). The CBA is coming up and it is quietly concerning to agents, players and others. There’s a razor’s edge (pun intended) to be walked.
For Raymond, grab the short deal to get to arbitration if the long shot doesn’t work out. You have every chance of increasing your price tag. For the team, they want a larger sample and most want to see assurances on revenues. Not unreasonable. No one wants an Athanasiou or certainly not a Nylander style holdout
Beyond that, the rumored failed trade for Trouba was hit with some interesting news as far as the player himself is concerned. Peter Baugh of the Athletic had this to say:
It appears likely that Trouba’s dip in play means he will start the season on the Rangers’ third pairing (as per Arthur Staple), which could benefit the 30-year-old as he will play against easier competition and could see a drop-in average ice time.
A 3rd pairing captain at a hefty price tag. IF there’s any truth to that, a failure to bring Trouba to Detroit may have been an avoidance of an issue that NYR is dealing with internally. Keep in mind that New York is an info churn machine and a lot of things hit the press before a double and/or triple check.
Regardless, there’s an issue at play. If Raymond is looking at something around the 8.5m+ with term it may not be an ideal time for that ask. I don’t have numbers or even a rumor of numbers. Just some confirmation that agents are looking at the optimistic side of the cap increase and not thinking about what escrow could look like if revenues fall short.
Let me know your thoughts. What is your cutoff, and where would you look to make a deal? Utah? Someone who would be able to offer player/picks that take the sting out of the process. Otherwise, this comes down to the wire or into/through training camp. Not a pleasant ride.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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