What drives a champion once the trophies are won? For Kris Draper, it’s a deep passion for Detroit Red Wings hockey and the city that became his home. In this episode of The BOBcast, Bob sits down with the four-time Stanley Cup champion to hear unforgettable stories, from tough on-ice battles to the victories that helped build his legacy. Now serving in the Red Wings front office, Draper brings that same relentless drive to shaping the team's future. He opens up about his leadership style, behind-the-scenes stories of championship seasons, his fierce hunger to compete, and much more. This is the man behind the legendary résumé: still tough as ever, just with a couple new hips.
What drives a champion once the trophies are won? For Kris Draper, it’s a deep passion for Detroit Red Wings hockey and the city that became his home. In this episode of The BOBcast, Bob sits down with the four-time Stanley Cup champion to hear unforgettable stories, from tough on-ice battles to the victories that helped build his legacy. Now serving in the Red Wings front office, Draper brings that same relentless drive to shaping the team's future. He opens up about his leadership style, behind-the-scenes stories of championship seasons, his fierce hunger to compete, and much more. This is the man behind the legendary résumé: still tough as ever, just with a couple new hips.
:05- Bob asks Kris to describe the pain after being hit by Claude Lemieux when he suffered a broken jaw, fractured cheekbone, and a broken nose.
:13- Kris- “Yeah, I can honestly say that one hurt.”
1:26- Bob surprises Kris with his first question about competitive pickleball.
1:31- Kris shares his enthusiasm for competitive pickleball, mentioning his participation in four tournaments and his recent hip replacement surgery
2:32- Kris expresses confidence in the top-notch care and recovery provided to the players by Henry Ford Health.
2:45- Bob reminisces about his experiences as a Red Wings fan, including attending Stanley Cup celebrations.
3:27- Kris reflects on the loyalty and passion of Detroit sports fans, even when they boo out of frustration.
4:00- Kris discusses how the draft lottery hasn't helped the Red Wings of late. “We haven't had opportunities to even swing at generational players.”
4:57- Kris describes the process of transition from a player to the front office
6:17- Kris recalls the emotions surrounding the tragic death teammate Vladimir Konstantinov.
7:13- Bob asks Kris about his leadership style and how Steve Yzerman would describe it.
7:15- Kris emphasizes his competitive nature and the importance of outworking the competition.
7:46- Bob inquires about Kris's approach to managing conflict in the office.
8:09- Kris shares about his son Kienan, who plays for the Michigan Wolverines, and his daughters' support for his sports career.
9:28- Kris recounts a memorable moment from the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs, where the Red Wings overcame a 3-2 deficit against Colorado.
10:30- Kris describes the excitement and pressure of Game Six and the dominance of Game Seven.
12:07- Bob highlights the passion of Detroit sports fans and the epic parades that followed the Red Wings' victories.
12:26- Kris shares a story from the 1997 Stanley Cup celebration, involving taking the Stanley Cup to various bars and restaurants.
14:28- Bob asks Kris about his current skating habits and his plans to return to the ice after hip surgery.
14:59- Kris describes visiting Lions’ training camp and the similarities with the Red Wings
15:26- Kris takes us into the locker room and reflects on the pain of suffering a broken jaw, fractured cheekbone, and broken nose from being checked into the boards by Claude Lemieux.
18:20- Bob reflects back on the conversation and describes Kris as a quintessential Detroiter who embodies grit, resilience, and determination.