Kris Draper
The 'One Dollar Man' who anchored the Grind Line and won four Cups for Detroit.
Kristopher Bruce 'Kris' Draper (born May 24, 1971) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who spent his entire 17-season tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. A four-time Stanley Cup champion and Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, he played over 100 goals in his NHL career. Draper was a core member of the famous 'Grind Line' alongside Kirk Maltby and either Joe Kocur or Darren McCarty. Known as the 'One Dollar Man' after a trade for $1, he became one of only seven players to play over 1,000 games in a Red Wings uniform. He retired on July 26, 2011, having played 1,157 career games.
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Career Span
- 1989–2011
- Status
- Retired
- Stanley Cups Won
- 4
- Primary Line Role
- Member of the 'Grind Line'
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Draper's journey began in West Hill, Ontario, playing minor hockey for the Don Mills Flyers before representing Team Canada instead of joining the Windsor Spitfires. Drafted 62nd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1989, he played just 20 NHL games over four seasons before a pivotal trade to Detroit in 1993 for $1. This move sparked his reputation as a valuable fixture. His career was marked by intense physicality, most notably on May 29, 1996, when Colorado Avalanche's Claude Lemieux checked him face-first into the dasher, causing a broken jaw, nose, and cheekbone. The animosity from this hit fueled the 'Brawl in Hockeytown' on March 26, 1997. Draper later earned the Frank J. Selke Trophy in the 2003–04 season after scoring 24 goals and 40 points, helping Detroit win the Presidents' Trophy.
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's post-playing career mirrored his on-ice dedication to the organization. Immediately retiring, he joined the front office as special assistant to general manager Ken Holland, focusing on player evaluation and draft insights. On July 11, 2019, former teammate Steve Yzerman promoted him to director of amateur scouting following Tyler Wright's departure. He ascended again on July 5, 2023, becoming an assistant general manager. His legacy is cemented by his 1,000th game in a Red Wings uniform on March 17, 2009—his 1,020th NHL game overall—joining an exclusive group including Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman. He also represented Team Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, though Canada lost to Russia in the quarter-finals.
Did You Know?
- Draper was traded to Detroit in 1993 for exactly $1, earning him the nickname 'One Dollar Man'.
- He suffered a broken jaw, nose, and cheekbone after being checked into the boards by Claude Lemieux in 1996.
- Draper is one of only seven players to play over 1,000 games in a Red Wings uniform.
- His son Kienan was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the seventh round (187th overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
- In his final game appearance, Draper had a physical exchange with Gary Roberts during the 2016 Centennial Classic alumni game.
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