Detroit — Dan Cleary always knew his role when he played for the Red Wings.
Cleary, now in the organization’s player-development department, understands what his task is Saturday night at the NHL Draft Lottery in Toronto.
“I’m hoping to bring some Irish luck,” said Cleary, who’ll be backstage and will know before anyone else whether the Red Wings nab the first overall pick.
The Red Wings, who finished fifth from the bottom in the NHL overall standings in 2017-18, have an 8.5-percent chance of winning the lottery and getting the top pick — and a 26.