Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond was forced to leave Monday night’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs after sustaining an upper-body injury during the second period. The incident occurred midway through the frame, cutting short what had been a strong performance for the young winger.
The Red Wings confirmed before the third period that Raymond would not return to the game, sparking concern among fans and teammates given his importance to Detroit’s offensive structure. His early exit came with the team holding a narrow 1-0 lead at the time.
The injury happened when Raymond was checked hard into the boards by Toronto defenseman Chris Tanev, a hit that left him visibly shaken. Before leaving the ice, the 23-year-old had logged nearly eight minutes of play and recorded an assist, contributing to Detroit’s early advantage.
Despite losing one of their top scorers, the Red Wings held on for a 3-2 victory, completing a home-and-home sweep over the Maple Leafs. The win continued Detroit’s strong start to the season and demonstrated the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Raymond, who was drafted fourth overall in 2020, has become a cornerstone of the franchise, with 100 goals and 257 points in 323 career games. Coming off a breakout 2024–25 season where he tallied 27 goals and 80 points, his early-season form — two goals and three points in three games — highlights just how significant his potential absence could be for the Red Wings.
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