The Red Wings need to start signing younger players soon. Otherwise there average player will be the age of 40 soon enough.

Red Wings agree to 1-year contract with veteran F Drake
July 9, 2007

St. Louis Blues' Dallas Drake looks to the goal as he prepares to shoot and score against Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, in this Dec. 6, 2007 file photo.


DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran forward Dallas Drake on Monday.

The Red Wings originally selected Drake in the sixth round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He played two seasons with Detroit before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in 1994.

Last month the 38-year-old was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues, his team for the last six seasons. Drake signed a two-year contract for $2.2 million before last season and was due to make $1 million next season.

Drake has recorded 174 goals, 297 assists and 844 penalty minutes in 944 NHL games. He ended last season on injured reserve because of a wrist injury.

"He's a very physical player who will add grit to our lineup and make our team even more difficult to play against," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a statement. "He's a veteran player, and you can never have enough experience and leadership on a team."

Drake also played four seasons for the Phoenix Coyotes.