"Below Dylan Larkin’s $8.7M": Top insider reveals major update on Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider's contract with Red Wings

On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed the Detroit Red Wings' contract talks with Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. The Wings aim to keep both players' salaries below Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million per year.

Friedman explained the team’s approach. Larkin signed his deal right before becoming an unrestricted free agent, while Raymond and Seider are still restricted.

"The Detroit Free Press reported the Red Wings want to keep Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider below Dylan Larkin’s $8.7M. I see the rationale from their perspective: Larkin signed his contract right before becoming an unrestricted free agent, while the current duo are still restricted," Friedman said.

This gives the Red Wings leverage to negotiate lower contracts. For Raymond, his comparable players earn less than Larkin, so his deal may not be a problem.

However, Seider might aim for a larger contract if they agree on a long-term deal.

"I had heard of some progress with Raymond, but nothing is done until it's done. If Seider and the Wings opt for maximum term, the defender would argue to eclipse the Red Wings’ captain," Friedman added.

General Manager Steve Yzerman isn't keen on long-term contracts, but with the NHL salary cap expected to rise in 2026-27, some teams want to lock up key players now. Agents, however, may prefer shorter deals to benefit from future cap increases.

Moritz Seider, drafted sixth overall by the Wings in 2019, scored nine goals and 42 points with a -7 rating in the 2023-24 season. Lucas Raymond, drafted fourth overall in 2020, scored 31 goals and 72 points with a -12 rating.

Seider is currently training with Adler Mannheim in Germany, and Raymond has joined him occasionally.

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Detroit Red Wings sign Jonatan Berggren for one year

Jonatan Berggren has been resigned by the Detroit Red Wings to a one-year contract worth $825,000.

Berggren played 12 NHL games last season, scoring two goals and four assists. He was also a standout for the Grand Rapids Griffins, leading the team with 24 goals and 56 points in 53 NHL games. Berggren had 10 points in nine playoff games with the Griffins.

Before joining the NHL, Berggren played for Skellefteå AIK in Sweden, where he scored 60 points in 99 games. He also has international experience, winning medals with Sweden in various IIHF tournaments.