A four-time Stanley Cup champion and respected leader on the ice, known for his gritty playing style and clutch performances. He later transitioned into a successful front-office career, serving as an assistant general manager.
Kris Draper, the Canadian former professional ice hockey player, is renowned for his exceptional skills on the ice, earning him a staggering four Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings. As a integral part of the famous Grind Line, Draper's dedication and work ethic solidified his position as a legendary figure in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on May 24, 1971, in West Hill, Ontario, Draper's passion for hockey was ignited at a young age. He played minor ice hockey for the Don Mills Flyers of the MTHL and participated in the 1983 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Don Mills team. Attending De La Salle College in Toronto, Draper was selected by the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Windsor Spitfires in the fourth round of the 1988 OHL Priority Selection.
Drafted 62nd overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the original Winnipeg Jets, Draper's promising career took off. Although he didn't see much NHL action in his early years, a trade to the Detroit Red Wings in 1993 marked a turning point. Under the guidance of Doug MacLean, Draper became an indispensable asset to the team, earning the nickname "The One Dollar Man."
Throughout his 20-year NHL career, Draper accumulated numerous accolades, including:
After retiring from professional hockey in 2011, Draper transitioned to the front office, becoming the director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings. His influence on the team's scouting and management strategies has been instrumental in shaping the team's success.
Draper's commitment to the sport extends beyond his playing career. He has been an inspiration to countless young players, sharing his expertise and experience to nurture the next generation of hockey talent.
Off the ice, Draper is devoted to his family and community. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting the Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.
As a testament to his remarkable career and lasting impact, Kris Draper's #33 jersey was retired by the Detroit Red Wings in 2019, a fitting tribute to a hockey legend.
"I've been fortunate to have played with some great players, and we've had some great times. But to be able to win a Stanley Cup, that's the ultimate goal." - Kris Draper
"You can't play in this league without having a little bit of grit and determination." - Kris Draper
61 Years Old
Legendary captain of the Detroit Red Wings, leading the team to three Stanley Cup championships, and later becoming the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning another Cup in 2020.
56 Years Old
A highly decorated and skilled defenseman who won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and is considered one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. He's a seven-time Norris Trophy winner and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
57 Years Old
A legendary hockey player and occasional actor, known for his impressive NHL career and iconic roles in hockey films like "Mystery, Alaska".
56 Years Old
Russian ice hockey legend and coach, known for his exceptional on-ice vision, lightning-quick passes, and Stanley Cup wins with the Detroit Red Wings.
64 Years Old
A legendary defenseman who played 26 seasons in the NHL, holding the record for most games played in the league, and later became a successful executive.
61 Years Old
A legendary goalie, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, known for his unorthodox style and incredible athleticism. He won numerous awards, including two Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals.
47 Years Old
A highly skilled and elusive forward, known for his incredible stick-handling skills and ability to score highlight-reel goals, earning him the nickname "The Magic Man."
45 Years Old
A highly skilled and decorated Swedish professional ice hockey forward, known for his exceptional two-way playing ability and leadership, serving as captain of the Detroit Red Wings.
