Daniel Cleary (born 18 December 1978 in Carbonear,
Newfoundland and Labrador) is a professional ice
hockey winger playing for the Detroit Red Wings of
the National Hockey League. He was selected in the
first round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, 13th
overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks. A common mistake
made by announcers during NHL games is saying Cleary
is from Carbonear, Newfoundland. Cleary was born in
Carbonear, but he was raised in a nearby town called
Harbour Grace, in a section of the town called
Riverhead.
Cleary had a phenomenal junior career with the
Belleville Bulls of the OHL, although his
performance tailed off in his draft year.
Nevertheless, Chicago still selected him midway
through the first round. Just one year removed from
junior, Cleary was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers as
part of a package that landed Boris Mironov in
Chicago.
Cleary played parts of four seasons in Edmonton.
Cleary's $1 million contract was bought out by the
Oilers in the summer of 2003. Shortly thereafter, he
was signed to a much cheaper contract by the Phoenix
Coyotes. He played in Sweden during the 2004-05 NHL
lockout. Following the lockout, Phoenix did not
offer Cleary a qualifying contract. Cleary was
invited to the Detroit Red Wings training camp, and
he made the team.
During the 2006-07 NHL playoff quarterfinals against
Calgary, Cleary successfully converted a penalty
shot while shorthanded; this was the first time it
had been done in Detroit during the playoffs. Cleary
also stamped his name on the 2007 Western Conference
Final against Anaheim by scoring a pair of goals and
an assist in Game 4.
On March 11, 2008, Dan signed a 5 year contract
extension with the Red Wings for US $14 million.
