Just as teammates Brian Rafalski and Chris Osgood did earlier this offseason, Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper announced his retirement from hockey on Tuesday. Draper made the announcement during a news conference at Joe Louis Arena that was attended by many of his current and former teammates, general manager Ken Holland, the Ilitches and his family.
Draper retires after playing 1,137 total games with the Red Wings over 17 seasons. After notably being traded from the Winnipeg Jets for $1, he went on to win four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008) and was named the Selke Trophy winner in 2004. He finishes his career with 161 goals and 203 assists.
Although Draper is leaving the Red Wings' roster, he is set to join the front office. Holland and Draper have not decided on an official job title yet, but Draper will still be working with the franchise in the future and will remain close to the team.
With Draper's retirement now official, offseason activity involving the Red Wings roster is likely over. Their roster is basically set for the 2011-12 season, and barring a late-summer trade, no more notable moves are likely to happen.