In the Red Wings’ ongoing build, the biggest question can be found at the base: Do they have elite talent? Lucas Raymond is starting to answer it.

Raymond was doing fine before McLellan became Detroit Red Wings coach on Dec. 26. Since then, his game has reached another level. He has 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 16 games under McLellan. He ranks second in the NHL in points during this time, one behind Boston’s David Pastrnak.

Analyzing Thursday’s Detroit Red Wings at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 22-year-old winger potted his 20th goal of the season late in the first period to get Detroit on the board, and the Wings' top line of Raymond, Dylan Larkin and Marco Kasper dominated the game the rest of the way.

Larkin recorded a key goal and assist in his 700th NHL game, leading the Red Wings to a 4-2 win over the Canadiens.

Larkin picked up two assists in Monday's 5-2 win over the Kings.

Dylan Larkin notched a power-play goal and an assist in his 700th career game as the host Detroit Red Wings downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 on Thursday night.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin discussed the team's improvement under new coach Todd McLellan, who was announced as head coach on December 26.

The Red Wings and the Oilers meet in Edmonton! The Red Wings are playing solid hockey, while the Oilers are playing like one of the best teams in the NHL. We continue our NHL odds series with a Red Wings-Oilers prediction and pick.

In 16 games since McLellan took over, the Red Wings are 11-4-1, riding a three-game win streak as they prepare to head to western Canada on Wednesday. It’s not unusual to see a midseason coaching change bring better results in the NHL, but now more than 30 days in, the Red Wings’ surge has lasted longer than a simple adrenaline rush.

The Detroit Red Wings have a player on their hands who does nothing but work and is far from a "dull boy." All successful hockey organizations make the most of their drafting and development. Part of that is selecting the right players for the team.

As Lucas Raymond continues to blossom into a star, the idea that the "Yzer-plan" wants for high-end offensive talent loses its luster