The club’s roster is overflowing with the outcomes of the Detroit Red Wings’ efforts as they are sending Steve Yzerman packing and reassigning Kris Draper.
Don’t you love it when an Yzerplan comes together, in the words of the late, great actor George Peppard playing Hannibal Smith, the leader of the A-Team?
Yzerman, who was dismissed in July, underlined patience during his time as Red Wings general manager. Seven years without playoff games would, granted, put the patience of even the most devoted fan base to the test.
Yet, it is undeniable that Detroit draftees have left their mark on the team’s incredible 4-3-3 start to the 2026-27 NHL season. There are 11 of them in all on the Red Wings’ active roster. Kris Draper also witnessed the growth of this wealth of local talent. He has been transferred this season from head of amateur scouting to head of professional scouting.
A few of those choices established themselves as cornerstones of the franchise years ago.
