Detroit Red Wings: How the 1989 draft helped the franchise become a title contender

The NHL draft is less than a week away and the Detroit Red Wings will yet again have another opportunity to improve their organization with a high draft pick. The Wings will have the No. 6 overall pick.

Thirty years ago, the organization dramatically changed based on who they were able to draft. They selected Niklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov, and Vladimir Konstantinov all in the same draft.

These three joined a team that already had Steve Yzerman as it’s captain who is now the team’s general manager.

As many of you know, all three of these players played a vital role in Detroit winning the Stanley Cup and building what was a dynasty at the time.

Lidstrom went on to be the team’s captain after Yzerman retired. Fedorov played 13 seasons with the Red Wings, averaging at least 30 goals a season.

Konstantinov proved to be force for the Wings until an unfortunate accident ended his career as a Red Wing.