It was around 2:30 in the morning in Sweden when the Red Wings called Lucas Raymond's name with the fourth overall pick in the draft. Raymond would have to be at practice with his team by 9.
Not that he was in any mood to sleep.
"It’s pretty late here right now, but it hasn’t been that big of a challenge staying up," Raymond said. "I’ve been pretty excited all night. It’s been really fun and a special experience with my family here and friends."
It would have been special no matter what. But for Raymond, the moment seemed to sparkle a little more because of his destination. No NHL team is beloved in Sweden like the Red Wings.
"A dream come true, especially a club like Detroit with a lot of good Swedes -- legendary Swedes have played there," Raymond said. "So it was extremely exciting and I’m so happy and honored to be a part of the Detroit Red Wings."
Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, Johan Franzen, the list goes on. The Wings hope Raymond is next. The 5'10 winger who's been described as a 'nightmare to play against' -- a bit like Zetterberg -- has a chance to put his personal mark on the legacy of Swedish players in Detroit.
"I will try to really play my game, try to make an offensive impact, try to play with speed and energy and a high compete level," he said. "I’ll try to come with an offensive mindset."
The stats might not show it, but there's plenty of offense in Raymond's game. He spent the last two seasons, at ages 16 and 17, playing limited minutes for Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League. He's begun to thrive this season with a bigger role.
And when Raymond arrives in the NHL, likely sometime in the 2020-21 season, he'll be better prepared for the competition that awaits.
"I think it has helped me a lot," he said of playing professionally. "On the ice, it’s a different game. You really have to be strong on the battles around the boards and really take what’s given, (but) really have that attacking mindset."
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When the 18-year-old Raymond was watching the likes of Lidstrom and Zetterberg in Detroit, the Wings were winning Stanley Cups. He'll join a club at the other end of the competitive cycle. That will be different for Raymond, who's spent the duration of young career on winning teams.
Not that he seems daunted by the challenge. He'll be there at practice by 9. And he'll be here in Detroit when the Red Wings call, ready to help Sweden's favorite NHL team back to relevance.
"I want to win as much as possible wherever I play. That’s the mindset I have, and I think that’s the mindset you need to have," Raymond said. "Whether they’re rebuilding or peaking, you always want to win. That’s why we play.
"So that’s what I’m thinking about and looking forward to."