Kris Draper

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Lore & Background

Draper grew up in West Hill, Ontario, and played minor hockey for the Don Mills Flyers. He was drafted by the Windsor Spitfires in the 1988 OHL Priority Selection but initially chose to play for Team Canada. He was selected 62nd overall in the 1989 NHL entry draft by the Winnipeg Jets. After playing just 20 NHL games for the Jets over three seasons (1990–91 to 1992–93), he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1993 for $1. He became a fixture in Detroit, known as the 'One Dollar Man,' and was a member of the famous 'Grind Line' with Kirk Maltby and either Joe Kocur or Darren McCarty. On May 29, 1996, he was checked from behind by Claude Lemieux, causing severe facial injuries. The hit led to the 'Brawl in Hockeytown' in 1997. Draper has publicly stated he has forgiven Lemieux. He won the Selke Trophy in 2003–04. He played his 1,000th game in a Red Wings uniform on March 17, 2009. He retired on July 26, 2011, after 1,157 games and four Stanley Cup championships.

In Their Own Story

On July 25, 2011, the Red Wings accidentally leaked Draper's retirement via a photo album titled 'Kris Draper in Photographs,' which captioned his departure after 1,157 games and four Stanley Cups. Although reports stated he wished to play another season, the team lacked a roster spot, and he refused a two-way deal or training camp tryout. He officially retired on July 26, 2011. Years later, on December 31, 2016, Draper returned to the ice for the Centennial Classic alumni game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In an uncommon moment for such a game, he engaged in a physical exchange with Gary Roberts, proving his competitive fire remained intact long after hanging up his skates.

Reader's Guide

Draper was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He was named an alternate captain of the Red Wings during the 2006–07 season. On October 25, 2007, he signed a three-year, $4.75 million contract extension. He became the fifth player to play 1,000 games in a Red Wings uniform. After retiring, he joined the Red Wings' front office as special assistant to the general manager. On July 11, 2019, he was promoted to director of amateur scouting, and on July 5, 2023, to assistant general manager.

Did You Know?

• Draper played 222 playoff games, ranking him tenth in most career playoff games played.
• He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1993 in exchange for $1.
• His son Kienan was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL entry draft.
• Draper also plays competitive pickleball, including at Grand Rapids' Beer City Open.