Red Wings legacy continues as Kienan Draper joins Grand Rapids, bringing championship pedigree and boosting the organization's deep prospect pool.
With junior and college hockey seasons winding down, the Grand Rapids Griffins have added another intriguing young piece to an already talent-heavy pipeline within the Detroit Red Wings organization.
On Monday, the Griffins signed forward Kienan Draper to an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season, along with agreeing to a two-year AHL contract that will begin in 2026–27.
Draper, the son of former Red Wings fan favourite and long-time NHL forward Kris Draper, was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He recently completed his senior season at the University of Michigan, where he posted five goals and 13 assists for 18 points along with a plus-21 rating in 40 games.
Over four collegiate seasons with the Wolverines, the 24-year-old totaled 40 points in 133 appearances. During his time in Ann Arbor, he helped guide Michigan to two Big Ten championships and three NCAA Frozen Four appearances in four years.
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His arrival in Grand Rapids marks something of a homecoming, as he formally joins the professional ranks within the Red Wings system, adding to an already deep and promising wave of young talent in the organization.
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