Following in legendary footsteps, Kienan Draper joins the Grand Rapids Griffins, ready to forge his own hockey legacy with the organization.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The apple doesn’t fall far from the Joe Louis Arena rafters. In a move that bridges the gap between Detroit Red Wings royalty and the next generation of professional talent, the Grand Rapids Griffins announced on Monday, April 13, 2026, that they have signed forward Kienan Draper to a two-year AHL contract. Before the multi-year deal kicks in for the 2026-27 season, the former University of Michigan standout will join the Griffins immediately on an amateur tryout (ATO) for the remainder of the current campaign.
For Red Wings fans, the name Draper is synonymous with "Grind Line" grit, defensive excellence, and four Stanley Cup championships. Now, Kienan—the son of legendary Red Wings forward and current Assistant General Manager Kris Draper—looks to carve out his own legacy within the same organization his father helped define.
A Proven Winner in Ann Arbor
Draper, 24, arrives in Grand Rapids after a decorated four-year collegiate career with the University of Michigan Wolverines. Known for a relentless work ethic and high hockey IQ, the 6-foot-2 winger helped steer Michigan through one of its most successful eras in recent memory.
During his tenure in Ann Arbor, Draper was a fixture in a lineup that:
-Won two Big Ten Championships (2023, 2026).
-Reached the NCAA Frozen Four in three of his four seasons.
-Consistently ranked among the nation's elite in puck pursuit and defensive responsibility.
In his recently concluded senior season, Draper recorded a career-high 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists) and a stellar +21 rating in 40 games. While he may not possess the flash of some of Michigan’s first-round NHL talent, his 59 penalty minutes this year speak to a physical, "hard-to-play-against" style that mirrors the tenacity of his father.
Keeping It in the Family
The road to Grand Rapids has been a long time coming. Kienan was originally selected by the Red Wings in the seventh round (187th overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. At the time, Kris Draper was the Director of Amateur Scouting, making for a sentimental moment on the draft floor—though both have maintained that Kienan’s development has been strictly earned on the ice.
By signing a two-year AHL contract rather than an immediate NHL entry-level deal, the Red Wings organization is signaling a patient, developmental approach. The AHL contract allows Draper to refine his game in the physical environment of the professional ranks while remaining under the close watch of the Detroit developmental staff.
Reunited in the Pros
Draper’s arrival in Grand Rapids is also a reunion. He spent much of his youth playing for the Little Caesars AAA program in Detroit, a powerhouse that produced several current Griffins. Draper will find familiar faces in the locker room, including former teammates Carter Mazur and Jacob Truscott, further easing his transition from the college ranks to the pros.
"Kienan brings a high level of character and a professional mindset every day," said one Western conference scout. "He understands the details of the game—the faceoffs, the wall battles, the penalty killing. That translates very well to the AHL level."
What’s Next for the Griffins?
As the Griffins push toward the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, Draper’s inclusion on an ATO gives head coach Dan Watson another versatile tool in the bottom six. While he may start in a depth role, his experience in high-pressure NCAA tournament games makes him a valuable asset for a deep postseason run.
The Griffins are currently battling for playoff positioning, and the addition of a defensively sound, high-energy forward like Draper could be the spark needed for the final stretch. Fans at Van Andel Arena will likely get their first look at the "new" Draper as early as this weekend.
For the Draper family, the jersey has changed from the Maize and Blue to the Griffins' red and white, but the mission remains the same: winning hockey games through relentless effort. In Grand Rapids, the legacy continues.