Sheldon Dries isn't the type of player who attracts much attention around the NHL.

He wasn't a first-round draft pick. He wasn't drafted at all. He hasn't signed a lucrative long-term contract or established himself as a household name.

But after nearly a decade of professional hockey, the 32-year-old forward understands something that many younger players are still learning.

Opportunities aren't guaranteed and when they arrive, you have to be ready.

Dries provided another example Thursday night during the Detroit Red Wings' 2-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

With the Red Wings searching for offense in a scoreless game, Dries picked up an assist on Anton Johansson 's goal just 2:02 into the third period.

It was a relatively small contribution in a disappointing loss, but for a player who has spent much of his career moving between leagues, every opportunity matters.

Dries' path to the NHL has never been conventional.

A native of Macomb, Mich., he played four seasons he played four seasons at…