With an annual salary of 8 million dollars (equivalent to 86 million kronor), there are only three SHL Swedes who earn more – Elias Pettersson (11.6 million dollars), Erik Karlsson, and William Nylander (both 11.5 million dollars).
In Detroit, only Dylan Larkin (8.7 million dollars) and Moritz Seider (8.55 million dollars) can earn more than Raymond. But he doesn't think it will put extra pressure on him.
My mindset has been the same every year, and I don't think it changes depending on the salary. Of course, you have to play well, but the pressure comes mostly from me and my own expectations, says Raymond in a digital interview with Swedish journalists.
He says that the extra pressure that is put on him due to his high salary is fun and that he enjoys it. And above all, he is very pleased that the contract was signed for eight years.
From my side, it was a clear goal to get a longer contract, because I feel so good here in Detroit.
"It got a bit stressful"
The contract negotiations, however, dragged on.
It was only three-four days until the camp started, and everyone in the team was already there. Of course, it got a bit stressful, he says.
It was extremely nice that we got it done in time, I got to participate in the entire camp and didn't miss anything.
The fact that the contract was signed for eight years also provides security, he thinks.
It's always nice to know and something you can put behind you and not have to think about so much.
New star tournament
In a few weeks, Tre Kronor's head coach Sam Hallam will select the team for the new national team tournament with NHL stars – the 4 Nations Face-Off against the USA, Canada, and Finland in February.
I think everyone wants to be part of such a tournament. I remember when I was little and watched the World Cup, it was very cool to see the world's best players.
The national team management has a good eye on Raymond since he played in the last two World Championship tournaments. The fact that he scored 71 points (31 goals + 41 assists) in the NHL last season has, of course, also strengthened his chances of getting a spot on Tre Kronor's team.
High up on the wish list is also a title with the national team.
It would probably be the biggest, it would be extremely cool.
Born: March 28, 2002, in Gothenburg.
Clubs: Frölunda -2021 (three SHL seasons, 77 matches, 30 points, including 12 goals + 18 assists), Detroit 2021- (now in his fourth season, up to November 7, 250 matches, 186 points, including 72 goals + 114 assists).
National team: Two World Championships, 18 matches, 17 points (6 + 11) and bronze in 2024. Two U20 World Championships, 12 matches, 9 points (4 + 5) and bronze in 2020. One World Championship with the U18 national team, 7 matches, 8 points (4 + 4) and gold in 2019.
