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About Michael Caples

Michael Caples was born just minutes outside of Detroit and the Canadian border, into a family that introduced him to hockey the day he was born.

By the age of three, Michael could recite every NHL club, where they were from, and the primary colors in each jersey. He has worked for the Red Wings’ official website since 2008 and has contributed articles for LAKings.com, Michigan Hockey, and various other sports publications.

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Chelios retires, joins Wings' front office Print
Central
Written by Michael Caples   
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 16:46

The 48-year-old, who has played more games than any defenseman in NHL history, will advise Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, whose aging team is in transition.

Over the past two decades, the Red Wings have become known for bringing aging superstars to Detroit and revitalizing their careers.

Chris Chelios was one, arriving in a trade from Chicago at age 37 and playing another 10 years in Detroit – 11 in all. After one year bouncing between the Atlanta Thrashers and the American Hockey League, a 48-year-old Chelios is returning to Hockeytown. 

The three-time Stanley Cup and Norris Trophy winner officially announced his retirement Tuesday afternoon at Joe Louis Arena. Along with Detroit general manager Ken Holland, Chelios announced that he is moving to the Wings’ front office to serve as an advisor to their hockey operations.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of this game at the highest level for a long time,” Chelios said in a release. “I’ve met a lot of great people and developed some special relationships along the way. The three championship teams I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of have truly been the highlights of my career. I’m excited for this next challenge to begin and I’m also thankful the Wings have extended this opportunity for me to continue to be close to the game.”

With his new role, Chelios will focus on helping the on-ice product, as well helping mentor young players in the Wings’ system like defensemen Jonathan Ericsson, Jakub Kindl, and Brendan Smith. 

Chelios is not the first former Red Wing to move to an upper management with the team. The legacy includes longtime captain Steve Yzerman, Jiri Fischer – a director of player development for the Wings – and Pat Verbeek, who moved from the Wings’ scouting staff to Tampa Bay along with Yzerman.

Chelios' retirement marks the end of a Hall of Fame-worthy career. No other defenseman in NHL history played as many games as Chelios, who compiled 1,651 games in 26 years with the Wings, Canadiens, Blackhawks, and Thrashers. He is the only player to play in over 400 games with three franchises (Montreal, Chicago, and Detroit). Chelios posted 185 goals and 763 assists and 2,891 penalty minutes during that time frame. He was just as impressive in the playoffs, recording 31 goals, 113 assists, and 423 penalty minutes in 266 games.

His wealth of experience may be needed with the Red Wings' roster expected undergo many changes soon. Captain Nicklas Lidstrom is 40 years old, and defensive partner Brian Rafalski is 36. Veteran leaders Kris Draper, 39, and Kirk Maltby, 37, will soon turn over the locker room to the likes of Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen, along with talented youngsters like Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 17:26