Red Wings overnight report: And Draper, too

Biggy update at 8:07 AM: MLive?s Ansar Khan spoke to Draper yesterday, too, and that follow St. James? report: As we?ve waited for Red Wings GM Ken Holland and goaltender Chris Osgood to sit down and discuss #30?s future in Detroit, we haven?t heard much regarding Kris Draper?s status, but the Free Press?s Helene St. James suggests that in Draper?s case, there very literally isn?t a spot for him on the roster:

?No doubt he wants to play ... and play in Detroit,? Holland said. ?We don?t have any cap issues, but we have to sort out what we?re doing with our 14 forwards.?

Draper, 40, showed last season that he still has something left in the tank. His primary role was as a defensive role player, but he also contributed six goals and 11 points in 47 games, and didn?t complain when made a healthy scratch. He has tremendous value in the locker room, where he sets a great example for younger guys with a relentless training program.

The Wings certainly can fit Draper in financially; they have about $6.5 million in salary-cap space. Roster-wise, however, it?s a hard fit. Thirteen forwards already are under one-way contracts for 2011-12. Cory Emmerton, a second-round pick from ?06, is on a two-day deal, but he?d have to be exposed on waivers to be sent to the minors, and the Wings won?t risk that.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/red_wings_overnight_report_and_draper_too/

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