Awkward moment? Brendan Lemieux interviewed by Red Wings at the Combine

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This might qualify as an awkward moment. Former UND hockey recruit Brendan Lemieux was interviewed by the Detroit Red Wings. Brendan's dad probably doesn't have a lot of fans in Detroit, especially after he destroyed Chris Draper with a dirty hit during the 1996 Western Conference Finals.

Mike G. Morreale - NHL.com --- One of the more intriguing interviews for Brendan took place with the Detroit Red Wings. It was during Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final that Claude Lemieux, then with the Avalanche, hit Detroit's Kris Draper from behind, driving Draper into the top of the boards near the Red Wings' bench and leaving Draper with a broken jaw, cheek bone and orbital bone.

Draper, now a special assistant to Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, was on hand when the interview took place with Brendan.

"We had a great conversation," Brendan said. "He's a really nice guy. I did not think I was going to get interviewed by them, let alone have it be serious. I thought they were going to walk in, make a few jokes and I was going to leave, but I have nothing but good things to say about their organization. They were extremely professional and they barely brought it up. I tried to joke about it and they weren't even budging.

"I have no problem playing in Detroit after that interview, for sure."

Wings and Things (RW77)

First off, I'd like to congratulate Kris Draper on a fabulous career. The 40 year old center called it a career this week and I'm going to say that he'll be missed. Draper, or "Drapes" to fans and teammates, wasn't the flashiest player on the ice, but he was a rock solid leader in the lockerroom. Up and coming winger (and former MSU Spartan) Justin Abdelkader looks to him as a mentor type and Abdelkader's growth at the NHL level is at least partially attributed to Draper's influence on Justin.

Let's look at stats: First off, Draper was selected 62nd overall by Winnipeg in 1989. And that's where things got strange. First off, Draper went to the AHL (appearing in 7 games), then played a little in the NHL (3 games). THEN was sent to the OHL. So he played pros before he played Major Juniors. That's not the strangest thing. In 1993, Winnipeg traded Kris Draper to Detroit for... ONE DOLLAR. Yup. $1. I'm not sure a GM could keep his job in today's world if all he got for a player was $1. I can't believe that there wasn't something, even a conditional 9th round pick, that Winnipeg couldn't have gotten for Draper.

In the end, Kris Draper retires with his name etched FOUR times on the Stanley Cup and a Selke Trophy (for NHL's best defensive forward) in 2004. He retires as only the 5th player in Detroit history to play 1,000 games with Detroit. He is also 9th all time in NHL Post season appearances (2nd on Detroit if you don't count Chris Chelios).

He's not going to get into the NHL Hall of Fame, but he certainly is one of the all time great Red Wings.

Best of luck Drapes.

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Mike Commodore will NOT be wearing #64.

According to insider sources (Bill Roose's twitter feed and Winging It in Motown - Detroit Red Wings' blog), Mike Commodore will wear #22 for Detroit this season. However, Mike has indicated that he may still participate in the $64 charity promotion that was suggested along with the jersey number.

Detroit Crystal Ball Dart Toss (Redwing77)

The season is over and there's a few housekeeping things from me and a look into the offseason for the Red Wings in terms of potential retirements.

Housekeeping

I find myself rather at a loss as to whom to root for in the remaining playoffs. I respect San Jose for playing a great series out and coming out on top (even if I was disappointed that it came out at the expense of my Wings). And, since I deplore hockey players who routinely dive and their teammates/fans/teams who foster the behavior, it's pretty clear that I cannot root for the Canucks. So, it's disappointing to see San Jose only marginally in the series (I truly believe if the first 4 games were played in Vancouver, San Jose would get swept). I can't help but feel extreme doubt that the Sharks are going to do anything more than take a bite out of the Canucks downtime between this series and the Stanley Cup finals.

As for TB and Boston... I'm ok with either team advancing. Boston has played well and I really dig the comeback season Tim Thomas has had. On the other hand, there is no better human interest story in the playoffs than the story of Tampa Bay. They sucked last year. They go out and get a 41 year old goaltender, an untried rookie head coach and GM and suddenly.... WOW.

They are in the finals and STILL people, players, and the media are underestimating them. I think this is working in TB's favor.

In any case, regardless of who wins, I look to Boston or TB to win it all.

Retirements

I've already talked about the imminent retirement of Mike Modano, but there are rumors (on http://www.eliteprospects.com/) that suggest two other notable potential retirees exist.

First, Kris Draper. There is no question that Draper is near the end. There's also no question that his use by the Wings has followed a similar path to that of Kirk Maltby. He saw very little time this postseason. It's pretty clear that the Wings aren't finding much use for him any more, which is too bad. Kris was never flashy. He was just gritty and reliable. A truly great defensive forward with a mean streak. He was always overshadowed in these categories by other greats... defensive forward play by Datsyuk, Federov, and others. Gritty mean streaks by Maltby and McCarty among others.

This rumor is classified as doubtful by Elite Prospects. I would suggest that Draper's time as a Red Wing may have come to an end, but I think he'll play 1-2 more seasons if he can find a team.

Last, Chris Osgood. There is no question that Osgood is right where Draper is. However, the difference I see is: Osgood's no longer consistent and reliable in net. He's lost too much due to age. He may still have the drive to play hockey and that's his choice, but there's no question that he's got nothing left to give Detroit. I'd resign MacDonald to back up Howard. If Osgood wants to be the 3rd stringer and injury backup, then alright, but at no better than league veteran. We are in the salary cap era, after all.

If I were Osgood, I'd ask what was left to prove. Osgood isn't in the position of Draper. He's not as effective as Roloson has been this year. I'm not sure if Osgood will retire, but I would if I were him. He's not doing himself any good floundering or riding the bench as he has most of the season.

He may have the fire to continue playing like Draper, but it is obvious to me that he's got nothing left to offer.