Blackhawks’ Graham Joins Coaching Ranks After Retiring As Player

Dirk Graham, captain of the Chicago Blackhawks the last 6-1/2 years, will retire and join the team as an assistant coach.

Graham, 36, was drafted by Vancouver in 1979 and broke into the NHL with Minnesota in the 1983-84 season. He was traded to the Blackhawks in 1988.

In a 12-year career, Graham played in 772 games with 219 goals and 269 assists.

“There comes a time,” Graham said. “This way I can walk away from hockey while I can still walk.”

The Blackhawks also announced that former New York Islanders coach Lorne Henning had joined Craig Hartsburg’s staff as an assistant.

The Detroit Red Wings have offered goalie Mike Vernon a two-year contract for $4 million. Detroit has given Vernon, an unrestricted free agent, a deadline of today to sign.