Kirk Maltby Retires

  Veteran Detroit Red Wings forward Kirk Maltby has announced his retirement. The announcement was made by Maltby on Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena in an emotional news conference.

  Maltby, 37, was originally a third round draft pick (65th overall) of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He spent parts of three seasons in Edmonton before a trade deadline deal in 1996 that brought him to Detroit in exchange for defenseman Dan McGillis. Maltby spent the rest of his career in the Hockey Town, playing 908 games in a Red Wings sweater, tied for seventh-most in franchise history with former teammate Sergei Fedorov. Through 16 years of NHL play Maltby notched 128 goals and 132 assists for 260 points, a +18 rating, and 867 penalty minutes in 1,072 total games. His biggest accomplishment is the fact that he won four Stanley Cups, all with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008.

"Being drafted in 1992 I was just happy to be around and just happy to play hockey, never did I think I would be around 18 years and win four Stanley Cups," Maltby said. "I feel truly privileged."

  Maltby spent 16 years in the National Hockey League, 13 and a half spent with the Detroit Red Wings. As per Detroit fashion, they have maintained the ‘family’ logic by hiring him onboard to be a part of the staff as a scout. Along with Maltby, other Detroit players have retired this season and been hired on in different roles with the organization in Chris Chelios and Aaron Downey.

  Maltby’s success in the NHL is well documented, but he will laways be remembered for being a huge part of the infamous ‘grind line” through the dominant 90’s for the Red Wings.

"I had a role and I knew what that role was," Maltby said. "I was a pain in the butt, but I didn't mind doing that. I knew there would be shots (from the other team) but I didn't mind that.

"I wanted to win and did what I had to do to win."

  Matlby’s playing career was thrown into question when he was waived by the Red Wings on October 5th. His relegation to the minors via waive was actually one made out of respect for the blood, sweat, and heart Maltby has given the Wings throughout his tenure with the team. The option remained for Maltby to either be picked up by another team through the waiver wire, or report to the Grand Rapids Griffins to remain a player and part of the organization in not only a playing role, but a mentoring role with the young kids of Detroit’s depth charts.

"I knew what the situation was from talking to Kenny [Detroit vice president and general manager Ken Holland] a bunch of times over the summer," he said.

His decision ultimately was to leave the game he loved, and pursue other opportunities in life.

"It's nothing against Grand Rapids or the American (Hockey) League," said Maltby, who won an AHL title with Edmonton's farm club. "But back then, I was 20 years old and I had no kids and I hadn't won Stanley Cups. I'm comfortable with my decision."

  There is little question as to the success and hard work Maltby will put into whatever role he take on ahead of him whether it be hockey related or not, especially if it comes anywhere close to the heart and soul he poured out wearing a Red Wings sweater throughout his playing career.

"It exceeded any personal or team goals I could have set," he went on. "It's gone much better than planned. I don't think there's anything I would have taken back. I'm going to miss it."

  Teammates, along with GM Ken Holland, and head coach Mike Babcock couldn’t say enough about the battle tested veteran as they attended his retirement speech.

"What a great career," said Kris Draper, Maltby's long-time linemate. "He can look in the mirror and know he did a lot of great things. A great teammate and a great friend.”

"That's one of the things we made sure to tell Malts, that the friendship doesn't end just because you're not a Red Wing."

  GM Ken Holland said Maltby was one of the more humble and team-oriented players the Red Wings have ever had.

"It's hard to find people like that," Holland said.

You will be greatly missed on the ice, Kirk, and thank you for all of the years you displayed what it means to be a hockey player in the best league in the world.

- Kendall Grubbs