Kris Draper was reintroduced to the media today as the Detroit Red Wings’ assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting, and he discussed his new, dual role with Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen:
Draper, 52, will still run the Red Wings’ drafting operation, but will be adding other responsibilities.
“I want the opportunity to sit on meetings like last week with free agency.” Draper said. “Obviously the negotiations of contracts. Entry-level deals, I’d love to sit in on those and learn how to do those. Probably more of that stuff. But I know my main role is exactly what it’s been since Steve has come here and obviously running the draft. Just adding opportunities to really learn the business side of it, the contracts, sitting in when Stevie’s talking to agents. Stuff like that is something that I’m really looking forward to do.”
Draper’s goal today isn’t different than it was when he was a player: he wants to help the Red Wings win another Stanley Cup. He is just going about it differently.
“I take a lot of pride in my job right now as director of amateur scouting and to be added to assistant general manager by Stevie means a lot. I guess he appreciates what we’re doing right now and that means a lot to me,” Yzerman said. “…The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most important things in my life. It’s been like that for years. I want to be a big part of us getting back into the playoffs and then from there being Cup contenders, to being Cup champions.”
