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Has Time Run Out For Kirk Maltby?
by IwoCPO on 01/14/09 at 05:01 PM ET
Comments (32)
Scratched. Again. 2 goals given up by a line that’s supposed to stop that crap. Not quite as abrasive or irritating as he used to be. Never much of a scorer and in the middle of his fourth consecutive negative +/- season (after going +24 in ‘03). Almost a million bucks/year (883K but 950 next season?). A hero to the masses and an example of the almost pathological organ-I-zational loyalty? Yep. Along with Mac…and, yeah, along with Chelios.
Well, we’ll see because there are options.
Khan(!)
Mike Babcock was not happy to see the fourth line on the ice for two goals by Dallas in Monday’s 5-4 overtime loss.
“That can’t happen,’’ Babcock said.
He added: “I think Meech is playing real good and he’s playing real hard. The other thing is depth, gives you a chance to say, ‘Hey, we got to get this fixed up here.’ ‘’
Is Kirk Maltby going to be released? No. I don’t think so. Bought out? Maybe, I guess.
But here’s something for certain and I’ll brace for shock as Gramps weighs in.
He’s not going to see one minute of ice time in the playoffs. Not a second. Not when Darren Helm is right there. Waiting. And so is our boy Abbadabba Home Keys, although that’s less likely this season.
And Maltby knows it.
“There’s nothing really to say,” Maltby said. “I’m not happy, but at the same time, what are you going to do? He’s the coach, and we’re the players, and that’s how sports works.”
Maltby has been a fixture. The penalty kill against St. Louis in May of ‘02 will always be one of my personal favorite Wing memories...
Kirk Maltby was typical of the Red Wings’ effort. He blocked three shots during a penalty kill in the second period, including two after losing his stick.
“You don’t want to lose your stick, especially when you’re shorthanded,” said Maltby, who received a standing ovation after dragging himself to the bench. “It was just a matter of trying to stay in the lane with the puck and block what I could.”
...but we just don’t see much of that from him anymore. And if his line isn’t cutting it in their own end, he may be the first casualty. You know it’s not going to be Draper, and probably not Kopecky. It’s too easy to dismiss Maltby. The decision is too simple for Babcock, and those are the easy choices you don’t like to see.
Malts has meant a lot to four Cup teams, but there’s a good chance he’s seen his last minutes of postseason ice time in Detroit.
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Comments
Saying it’s time to get rid of Maltby is like handing the shotgun to the kid and telling him to take Old Yeller out back.
He’s been great; he’s been loyal. But, at this point, it’s probably best for everybody involved.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 01/14/09 at 05:28 PM ET
Also, I’d like to see the kid come back in with the shotgun and look meaningfully at Kris Draper while he’s at it.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 01/14/09 at 05:34 PM ET
Tick Tock said that there will be changes made.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 01/14/09 at 05:42 PM ET
Waived at the beginning of next season is my bet. Buy out would be kind of dumb, assuming the CBA gets ratified again. No point in extending the cap hit on his contract past what it already is. Maybe he’ll retire.
Posted by halomasterd4n on 01/14/09 at 05:54 PM ET
Something has to give, we’ve all known it but have been busy bitching like my 7 year old (when he can’t watch tv) so far this season.
The loyalty and “family ties” are something we all feel, but with all pro sports.. it’s a business. You do not knowingly employ a liabilty in a well run business, period. Malts has missed his window to move on (retire) graciously and will be bought out or shoved out the door.
I get the feeling we will not see Mac in the winged wheel in a serious capacity again, one or 2 games to say goodbye to the home crowd at the Joe is fitting though.
Helm is being groomed for a roster spot on the 3rd-4th lines. His time is about here and his fill in job last year was akin to him passing the entrance exam.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 01/14/09 at 06:03 PM ET
The real question with Maltby is: Will he continue to hide behind his shield and run away from fights after retirement?
Posted by rwhater on 01/14/09 at 06:07 PM ET
The real question with Maltby is: Will he continue to hide behind his shield and run away from fights after retirement?
The real question in Denver is, will the Dive sign him after he’s released by Detroit, ask him to play 20 games or so, then retire his jersey?
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 01/14/09 at 06:11 PM ET
I’d be surprised if Malts didn’t see any post-season play. April is a ways off yet…
As for beyond, I think a buyout is much more likely than waivers- there’s no guarantee he would get claimed (probably a good chance he wouldn’t, even at 950k, for much the same reasons he’s likely to get squeezed out of Detroit- youth and a couple years left on his contract), and if he doesn’t, 950k is a hell of a lot of cheddar for a 3rd liner in GR. Either way, the cap hit of around 250-300k (serious guesstimation there, btw) is much easier to swallow than paying him the full million…
I wouldn’t read too much into this. There’s definitely a message being sent here, but I doubt it results in any real “changes” regarding Maltby - or the fourth line - until after the playoffs. As far as Helm goes, I wouldn’t be surprised to see either Malts or Kopecky scratched to get him time in the postseason, but the Wings just aren’t going to deal players to make room for him. Not this year, at least.
And as much as I love Home Keys, he ain’t gettin’ a sniff in April either, unless it’s due to injuries. I’d venture to say the same about Leino, too…
Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 01/14/09 at 06:13 PM ET
And that PK in the ‘02 playoffs was fookin’ brilliant!
Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 01/14/09 at 06:14 PM ET
I’ll brace for shock as Gramps weighs in
Not going to argue or lose any sleep over this. It is sad when a Pro hangs around too long.
From what I have seen of Malts this year, he can still do it….But he is not…
He is playing stupid…like he doesn’t get enough oxygen to the brain. Sometimes players
have to be told when it is over.
I just like my favorites to go out with a little class…Like Drake and John Hiller.
I will say this…you should put an asterisk next to the names when you mention replacements.
Helm*, Meech*, Abracadabra*, etc. Best wait until you see them kill a few 5 on 3’s. The worst part about those is Zetterberg, Dats, and Cleary are not always going to be available because the penalty that creates a 5 on 3 is usually to one of your top PK’rs.
Already said more than I planned….
Thanks for the mention on the sidebar…
I am ready….Chr*st, 10:00 PM starts are pure torture.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 01/14/09 at 06:22 PM ET
As for beyond, I think a buyout is much more likely than waivers- there’s no guarantee he would get claimed (probably a good chance he wouldn’t, even at 950k, for much the same reasons he’s likely to get squeezed out of Detroit- youth and a couple years left on his contract), and if he doesn’t, 950k is a hell of a lot of cheddar for a 3rd liner in GR. Either way, the cap hit of around 250-300k (serious guesstimation there, btw) is much easier to swallow than paying him the full million…
If he’s waived, and assigned to GR, his salary won’t count against the cap, and I’m sure Ilitch won’t mind paying him the last bit of his contract since he was such a key member. A buyout would be stupid under the current CBA because it would cause the cap hit to remain for the next two years, albeit a smaller one.
Posted by halomasterd4n on 01/14/09 at 06:25 PM ET
The real question in Denver is, will the Dive sign him after he’s released by Detroit, ask him to play 20 games or so, then retire his jersey?
Touche’ Chief, touche’.
Posted by calquake on 01/14/09 at 06:30 PM ET
Saying it’s time to get rid of Maltby is like handing the shotgun to the kid and telling him to take Old Yeller out back.
Jeez that paints a picture. One loss to the Stars and it’s off with his head.
I’m sure Ilitch won’t mind paying him the last bit of his contract since he was such a key member.
That’s more like it. Why not take a one way drive to Bloomfield Township and buy him dinner at the Machus Red Fox? It was always a great place for “negotiating” deals. Do they need any more goal posts in Giants stadium? Seems more, well, civilized.
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 01/14/09 at 06:32 PM ET
Saying it’s time to get rid of Maltby is like handing the shotgun to the kid and telling him to take Old Yeller out back.
Jeez that paints a picture. One loss to the Stars and it’s off with his head.
It wasn’t the loss to the Stars, Rumbear. Malts will always hold a special place in my heart. He’s the kind of guy you have to have on a team if you’re going to win. Not a hall of famer by any means, but always willing to do whatever it took and to give whatever he had to help the team. I wish that Malts from the turn of the century was still around, and I don’t doubt that he’s doing everything he can to help the team, I just don’t think he has enough left to give.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 01/14/09 at 06:48 PM ET
Maltby hasn’t been the same since McCarty wasn’t around to fight his battles. He hasn’t been effective since the lockout. Darren Helm/Abradrabradoo will be fine and give some fourth line spark. Buh Bye Malts
Posted by bababooey on 01/14/09 at 06:56 PM ET
At least Maltby has scored some real goals. Are we seriously paying Draper just to win faceoffs?
Posted by Tyler from Arizona on 01/14/09 at 07:03 PM ET
Point taken. Stick a fork in em. I am 52 and my wife points out far to often that I don’t have enough left to give. ... but…a shotgun?! Gotta finesse the exit a little more.
Ole Yeller got a raw deal. I’m just saying.
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 01/14/09 at 07:11 PM ET
Malts will always hold a special place in my heart. He’s the kind of guy you have to have on a team if you’re going to win.
You bet you do JJ. They are the “one of the guys” kinda guys. They don’t need any coddling or any pats on the back. They know what they are around for, the problem is he’s not able to do what he was once best at. The old “ain’t as good as I once was” comes to mind…
Best wait until you see them kill a few 5 on 3’s
.. to to that the “but I am as good once, as I ever was” comes to mind.
Yup, Malts has the gray hair from having been there and done that, and he’s not totally out of gas…. yet. Uncle Mike is sending him another reminder that he still has something to offer the team. If Malts doesn’t answer the bell for more than a few games after this time in the skybox… his time is short. The intangibles a guy brings to the room are immeasurable, but don’t get you a roster spot… ask Cheli.
Old yeller got shot, Malts isn’t immune to some leadshot either.
Oh yeah, Chief… don’t argue with an idiot. They drag you to their level and kick you ass with experience. Case in point, you mentioned Malts and playing for the Dive in the same stream of consciousness.
That’s like even THINKING of Floppa being a Wing. Puke all over the Hasek on those thoughts.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 01/14/09 at 07:23 PM ET
I am 52
And we’ve been givin’ the Chief a rough go about the “4 oh”.
Dude, you’re old.
No offense Gramps. 
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 01/14/09 at 07:25 PM ET
If he’s waived, and assigned to GR, his salary won’t count against the cap, and I’m sure Ilitch won’t mind paying him the last bit of his contract since he was such a key member. A buyout would be stupid under the current CBA because it would cause the cap hit to remain for the next two years, albeit a smaller one.
I realize the 950k wouldn’t count against the cap, but it’s still a lot of money to pay a Griffin, even one with four rings. I guess it really depends on whether management thinks they can still afford to pay that much out of loyalty. As many of the comments above reflect, the club might feel Malts has worn out his welcome too much to warrant that kind of a gift. 250-300k against the cap (i.e., the buyout figure) is what it is, but if cutting Malts loose after the season allows another higher-echelon player to remain in the fold next year, and helps the Wings ice a better team, I gotta think Kenny Boy and company will at least consider it…
Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 01/14/09 at 07:44 PM ET
but always willing to do whatever it took and to give whatever he had to help the team.
Except fight his own battles, of course, even after cheap shotting the heck out of someone. The gutless puke.
And good one Chef. I agree that it was laughable for the Avs to retire Bourque’s number. Good hyperbole there.
Posted by rwhater on 01/14/09 at 08:06 PM ET
Plucked from the favorite Wing memory…...
“Hasek surrendered just five goals in the Red Wings’ four wins as they eliminated the Blues from the playoffs for the fourth time in seven years.”
Thanks Chief, it’s 9 degrees and windy here…. that just warmed my soul enough for one last hunting outing tomorrow when it’s supposed to be colder than it is now. Last day of the season and all.
but if cutting Malts loose after the season allows another higher-echelon player to remain in the fold next year, and helps the Wings ice a better team, I gotta think Kenny Boy and company will at least consider it…
Also Malts HAS to see the writing on the wall & know it’s in HIS best interest to step aside after this year. If you are a Wing through and through, you make room for a “brother Wing” to take your spot and make the tough decision easy on the organ-I-zation.We know their role, I assume they do as well. Stevie and Babs never saw eye to eye (given Stevie was a 1/2 reconstructed crippled shadow of his former self on the ice), but he saw that writing too….... when it’s time, it’s time.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 01/14/09 at 08:09 PM ET
but always willing to do whatever it took and to give whatever he had to help the team.
Except fight his own battles, of course, even after cheap shotting the heck out of someone. The gutless puke.
Aww, it’s cute. Him has opinions. Malts was always ever a pest. Him fighting wasn’t going to help his team any. Pissing off idiots is what he did best. Apparently it worked pretty well on you, rwhater.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 01/14/09 at 08:15 PM ET
You find a new way to say Justin Abdelkader’s name each time and it always makes me laugh. Nice work on that front.
Posted by Christy from Ann Arbor, MI on 01/14/09 at 08:23 PM ET
Now hold on a minute here. Haven’t we all said at some point or another recently how Malts was playing good? How he’s kicked it back up a notch, best play since pre-lockout?
Sure, he might have had a couple bad games and this may be discipline for that. But I don’t think anyone is considering showing him the door just yet. If he’s looking run down 2 months from now, then we might see some action next fall.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 01/14/09 at 08:29 PM ET
Dude, you’re old.
You mean that in a good way, right?
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 01/14/09 at 08:37 PM ET
Dude, you’re old.
You mean that in a good way, right?
Sure do Rummie.Seriously.
Now about watching games in the galley…. if we lose again…...
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 01/14/09 at 08:46 PM ET
That too, Nate. He’s been better than Draper, but since he can’t win faceoffs I guess he’s expendable.
Posted by Tyler from Arizona on 01/14/09 at 09:16 PM ET
The real question with Maltby is: Will he continue to hide behind his shield and run away from fights after retirement?
The real question is why don’t you run along and play a nice game of hide and go *#$%@& yourself.
Posted by O-Joe on 01/14/09 at 09:37 PM ET
Good thing Malt’s really tight with Draper since he’s taking one for him. Draper’s been @$$ all season but The Cock won’t pull Captain Face Off out of the line up and for some reason enjoys watching Kopecky bomb around the rink ineffectively and get knocked on his @$$ by smaller players….oh that’s right he’s tight with Maid Marion, so again guess who that leaves.
I won’t be horribly upset if this is Malts last year but he’s not the worst player on this team.
Posted by moocat on 01/14/09 at 09:46 PM ET
Hate to get in with the herd on this one, but yeah, all the old grinders have, one by one, gone from talismanic to tepid. Even Drapes…though I think his place on the team is safer since he seems to know how to wear the “A”.
I don’t see why Malts couldn’t make a go of it in GR, either. Probably be a good thing for the development of the kids there. As it is now, the youth is being regaled with the storied exploits of the aged Aaron Downy…not quite the same pedigree as if Malts or Cheli or even Mac tells you how it is, or how it should be. Let’s set it up, and we can call it a “Mentoring Program”. Somebody text Uncle Mike.
My apologies to rwhater. I forgot to send you that prescription refill for your syphilis meds.
Posted by VikingDoc from Southern Shore of Lake Erie on 01/14/09 at 09:53 PM ET
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It’s a sad realization, but I completely agree Chief. Malts has always been one of my perosnal favourite Wings, mainly because he was born and raised in my hometown of Cambridge, Ontario (the NHL games and nhl.com have it wrong, when he got his day with the Cup he would always bring it to the Cambridge Centre Mall).
But I’ve noticed it since last season. He doesn’t agitate anymore. He’s slowed down considerably, and he was never that fast to begin with. He’s never had much offensive skill. His trademark was his defensive ability, and that has suffered because he can’t keep up anymore.
For the good of the team, I hope he takes this in stride, like Cheli did last year. Helm is the better option for the playoffs, end of story.
Posted by Alzy from Innisfail, Alberta, Canada on 01/14/09 at 05:26 PM ET