Kris Draper promoted to director of amateur scouting for the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, chose not to renew the contract of previous scouting director Tyler Wright. As Yzerman did his homework and interviewed would be candidates, he chose his former Red Wings teammate and four time Stanley Cup champion Kris Draper.

The news was announced on the Detroit Red Wings official website . The same day the story broke, the Red Wings also announced they hired two amateur chief scouts Ryan Rezmierski and Jesse Wallin.

Also of note, Bryce Thoma and Rob Rassey were named to the scouting department and former Tampa Bay Lightning goaltending scouting developer Phil Osaer has been named to the same position in Detroit.

Kris Draper, began to coach youth hockey teams when he retired in 2011. Draper’s team won six Michigan Amateur Hockey Association state championships.

When Ken Holland was the Detroit general manager Kris Draper was his assistant.  Being close friends with Yzerman, Draper was an easy choice for head of scouting.

Back in April Steve Yzerman said he needed time to both assess things as well as talk to everyone in the organization. Tyler Wright who had done a solid job, was let go. In my opinion, Yzerman chose to part ways for one of two reasons. Wright wanted to take the best forwards in the draft. Yzerman likes to build from the backend (defense) out. Which is the correct way to put a team together.

It could be also that Yzerman and Wright simply did not see eye-to-eye. There was a quick look at this in this June’s draft. Seen at the table, Yzerman looked at Wright and said “Who’s it going to be?” Wright answered and was over ruled as Yzerman was seen on camera saying “I’m taking Seider.” Then proceeded to the big German defensemen.

For any team and organization to reach a winning level of play, then a playoff birth, then possibly a championship run, everyone needs to be on the same page. Yzerman, got rid of holdovers in favor of people he knows and respects. He has a history of doing a very good job. Bringing in Kris Draper and a few new scouts is a step in the right direction.