Near the end of the 2020 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings brought back a familiar name, selecting Kienan Draper, son of longtime Detroit fan favorite Kris Draper, 187th overall. Six years later, that pick is finally coming full circle.

The 24-year-old right winger has spent the years since working his way toward the pro ranks, most recently completing a four-year career at the University of Michigan. 

The Royal Oak, Michigan native wrapped up his college run this spring having appeared in 133 games for the Wolverines, finishing with 40 points on 17 goals and 23 assists, modest offensive numbers that echo the identity his father built during a 20 NHL seasons over his career, built more on grit and penalty-killing than scoring touch.

Draper's game has followed a similar mold as he posted a career-high 18 points in 40 games as a senior, while his 59 penalty minutes on the year point to the physical, hard-nosed style that's long been his calling card. Along the way, he helped Michigan to two Big Ten titles and three Frozen Four appearances in four seasons.

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With his college eligibility spent, Draper signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Grand Rapids Griffins in April, appearing in two regular-season games without registering a point before being released from the ATO as the Griffins finalized their playoff roster. 

Draper signed to a two-year AHL contract that begins in earnest this coming season, officially bringing him into the same organization his father now helps run as Detroit's assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting.

The Little Caesars AAA alum will join a Grand Rapids team coming off the finest regular season in franchise history. The Griffins went 51-16-4-1 for 107 points in 2025-26, finishing first in the Central Division and the Western Conference, but falling short once the playoffs came around.

Making the jump from four years of college hockey to a full pro schedule is rarely seamless, and Draper will be looking to find his footing in a role where he can make an impact. 

Whether he can carve out a lasting NHL opportunity or settle in as a dependable AHL piece, Draper's development will be one of the more compelling storylines to watch in the Red Wings' system this season, if only for the obvious reason that a Draper is finally wearing the same organization's colors as his dad.

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