Draft analyst gives Red Wings prospect Lucas Raymond the edge over New Jersey's Alexander Holtz

The Detroit Red Wings drafted Swedish forward Lucas Raymond with the 4th overall selection in the 2020 Draft last year, and they're banking on him eventually being a major part of their future. 

And if this review from a noted hockey draft analyst is any indication, Raymond should enjoy as much if not more success than his fellow Swedish prospect Alexander Holtz, who was selected by the New Jersey Devils with the 7th overall pick in the same Draft. 

Prospect analyst Russ Cohen recently wrote an article for EliteProspects.com comparing Raymond to Holtz, who should see time in the NHL this season with the Devils. 

“I give Raymond the edge in skating and stick and puck control.,” Cohen wrote. “This forward can weave his way in and out of traffic. He’s the flashier player for sure, and he wins more puck battles. InStat has Raymond winning 45 percent of his puck battles last season compared to Holtz’s 36 percent.”

“The Devils were fortunate to get a player with the best one-timer in that draft at that spot,” Cohen said. “His wrist shot is almost as good, and he has some playmaking in him. His two-step quickness must continue to get better for sure. His hockey IQ is very good, and that’s how he finds those open spots on the ice. “

Per Cohen, he believes Raymond has the edge. 

“I am flopping here a bit based on what I’ve seen in the early part of both players’ development,” Cohen wrote. “I think the overall impact of Raymond’s first year will beat Holtz."

Prior to suffering a fractured elbow while suiting up for Prior to his injury, he'd tallied six goals with 12 assists in 34 games while suiting up for Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League.