Red Wings forward Kris Draper has missed all of the 2010-11 season because of a groin injury. Originally the expectation was that Draper would be out a week or two at most, but the injury didn't get better and he eventually had surgery to repair a sports hernia. He has been rehabbing the injury ever since and is finally ready to make his return to game action.
"I've been full-out practicing. I've been working out before practice, working out after,'' Draper said. "I've done everything to make sure I'm ready when I get the call. It's been a long time. It's been a frustrating time.''
Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said earlier this week that Draper is "probably" going to play on this road trip. This means that he will likely be in the lineup tonight against Anaheim or tomorrow against Los Angeles. Detroit heads home after Saturday night's game and plays San Jose on Monday, so if he doesn't crack the lineup out west, expect him to be ready to go at home against the Sharks.