Detroit Red Wings: Coping with the Retirements of Chris Osgood and Kris Draper

When Chris Osgood and Kris Draper retired this summer from the Detroit Red Wings, they left a behind-the-scenes leadership void which will be missed in the locker room. While the Wings obviously have very strong leaders in their stars like Nick Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg, the team needs veteran role players who can be leaders and mentor the young players through hard work.

Mike Babcock and Ken Holland have been loyal to the core veterans that have been through the Wings’ amazing run (four Stanley Cups) because they could teach the younger players how to handle playoff hockey. Now that they’re gone, other veterans will need to be willing to speak up and "teach" the Wings' system of how things work in Detroit.

Dan Cleary is the first player who comes to mind that is proud to wear the Winged Wheel and accepts any role he’s given on the team. Cleary came to camp on a tryout in 2005 and has become a valuable contributor. Whether it is on a checking line or on the power play, Cleary works hard and is an example that the young players should follow.

Osgood was the perfect goalie throughout the years because he didn’t have an ego that allowed him to clash with his fellow goalies. When Osgood got injured two years ago, he gladly accepted the backup role and became an important mentor to Jimmy Howard.

Now that Howard is the established No. 1 in net, Ty Conklin returns to the team for his second stint as the backup goalie. In Conklin’s previous stint, he filled the backup role admirably by rising to the occasion when called upon and being a solid locker room presence. Since his personality is similar to Osgood’s, I assume he and Howard will get along well, and he’ll be there for advice when Howard needs it.

One of the veterans that has been in Detroit throughout their run has been Tomas Holmstrom, who has proudly earned the nickname “Demolition Man” for sacrificing his body and setting up in front of the goal crease for the benefit of the team. Along with Lidstrom, he acts as a big brother to all the Swedish players and has helped their transition to North American hockey.

While Osgood and Draper’s pride in representing the Red Wings for the city of Detroit was evident, there are many players who will step up during the season, and seasons ahead, to carry on the Wings’ tradition. All Red Wings fans should be thankful to Osgood and Draper for setting the examples that current players will continue to pass down to the young and future Wings.