Veteran Forward Kirk Maltby and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed on a one year, two way contract on Wednesday. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.37 year-old Maltby was traded to the Red Wings early in the 1995-1996 season and he has been a Red Wing ever since. Maltby has been a force on the penalty kill and checking lines for the Wings over his years collecting four Stanley Cup Championships (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008). Maltby has appeared in 908 regular-season games for the Red Wings, tying him for seventh-most in team history (Sergei Fedorov). He has also appeared (as a Red Wing) in 169 playoff contests, fourth-most in franchise history. Maltby has scored 128 goals and 260 points in 1,072 regular season games over 17 seasons for the Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers. In 2009 he became the 239th player to reach the 1,000 game mark.
Maltby, although the terms have not been disclosed, surely took a financial hit in an effort to stay with his cherished Wings. It’s not uncommon for veteran players to appreciate what the Red Wings organization has to offer and sign just to stay, and be a part. Maltby’s two-way contract will see him spending much time in the minors with the signings of Drew Miller, Patrick Eaves, and Mike Modano coming to fruition, and the emergence of the young power forward, Justin Abdelkader. Malbty will see some NHL time I’m sure as he will likely be the first on the call-up list. In Grand Rapids, he will help develop and mentor young physical forwards such as Cory Emmerton, and provide an NHL sized guardianship for the young skill players that lack size.
Maltby has been a household name for Red Wings fans for many years, and I’m glad to see Ken Holland giving him the respect he deserves.
- Kendall Grubbs
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