Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 Am I the only one who thinks we may have been better off letting him walk at the end of last season, or at least signed him to a shorter deal? I like him, I think he gives this team some heart, but I’m not sure if he’s doing much to benefit the team these days. About 5 years ago I remember him being one of the best short handed players in the league and he was always a threat to score a man down. He was also a pretty good agitator. However over the past 2/3 seasons his production has significantly dropped. He put up a mere 11 points in the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, and so far this season he has 6 points in 32 games, and 3 points in his last 20 games. I know he’s not counted on a lot for scoring, but his minutes are even being reduced on the PK due to the emergence of Cleary, Filppula and Franzen. What are your thoughts on Maltby? Perhaps the plan is that when his contract is up (after the 2009/2010 season) Darren Helm will be read to take over his role? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CenterIce 83 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 You have to realize that he has had a back injury this year, which really affects a hockey player in all aspects of the game. He is there for defense, to help shut down the other teams top players. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Noodle 39 14 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 (edited) Maltby is not counted on to provide points anymore and accepts his limited role. He's a true Wing and a great guy. Put him on a team that needs him for offense and i bet you he scores 20 goals or more a year barring injury. The dude has a wicked shot and skates very well. Sometimes i get mad at his limited role and wonder why not use him over Samuelsson...? But hey I'm not the coach heh. Kirk Maltby rocks!! And is a true team player gotta respect that. Edited January 26, 2008 by The Noodle 39 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grittzkey 1 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 (edited) Blasphemy.. I love Malt's personaly i think he is doing his job, His job isnt to Rack up goal's or assist Draper in his amazing deking abilities nor his rocket of a slap shot. His job is to grind, Lay the body on people, Get in there heads a little bit. Bite his lips and say F^@#. You gotta remember he's a tad bit older then everyone else, And the style of play that he has played over the years takes the toll on the body. He just got over an injury and his back's probaly not 100% or his cardio is not up to snuff yet. Edited January 26, 2008 by Grittzkey Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 I like Malts a lot, he's playing well for little money. He still has great shot and he might score few goals in playoffs. I would hate to see him playing for any other team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lfd250 1 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 I suppose you want Drake to have more ice time? Maltby is fine. He does his job. He's a third line winger, problem is he's to the fourth becuase the way the lines are. With the big line together he's on the third line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 I hear what youre saying about Maltby, but you have to remember that a BIG reason why Maltby was re-signed is because he is a Red Wing through and through. It reflects well on the organization to keep Maltby around. It shows other teams that Detroit's brass is loyal and generous, and it shows their dedication towards keeping other teammates happy. Could you imagine how the departure of Maltby would affect the dressing room? I cant imagine that Draper and Osgood would be too happy, especially Draper if he lost his linemate and best friend for the last decade. Not to mention, Maltby is one of the guys still around from the Cup Winning years. Its nice to have players that casual fans can identify, with so many other players coming and going in todays NHL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 I'll be the first to admit that the reason I want Maltby on this team is because he's been a Wing since I was in middle school. I am biased towards him and Draper in that sense, and for that reason I will never ask that either of them be traded or moved. If Maltby was anybody else, I would probably complain about his usefulness on the team, but I'm just not going to go there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sergeiwasmyfav 0 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 What everyone else said. He's not meant to score points, he does his job well, the back injury, good on the PK, been around for over 10 years, etc. Plus, he lives right by me and when I worked at the Farmer Jack (now Kroger, grrrr) during the summers I was in college, he would often come in and he came through my line a few times. Very nice guy. One of his items wouldn't scan one time, and so many other customers would have been annoyed and bitched and moaned about how long the price check was taking (b/c it did take a long time) but he just waited patiently, making small talk. I became an even bigger fan of his that day when he didn't act like all the other a**holes that came through my line and were in any way inconvenienced. Sorry for the rant, but please be nice to cashiers at the grocery store people. They do the best they can, and Maltby is nice to them!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotvm 0 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 actually, prior to his back injury i thought maltby was playing better than he had in 3-4 yrs. now that hes in the lineup again there doesnt appear to be any signs of it being a recurring problem. it seems like they did the right thing by keeping him out so long Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedFX 48 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 He's still one of our best penalty-killers (when he's used) and one of the best hitters we have on our team. He brings a great physical aspect that helps keep us balanced. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 (edited) I'll be the first to admit that the reason I want Maltby on this team is because he's been a Wing since I was in middle school. I am biased towards him and Draper in that sense, and for that reason I will never ask that either of them be traded or moved. If Maltby was anybody else, I would probably complain about his usefulness on the team, but I'm just not going to go there. Yeah, I feel the same way. I do think Maltby has been very useless since the lockout ended, but he's a true Red Wing, and for some reason, I can't complain about him like I do others. He's remained loyal to this team for many years, and I think he should be rewarded for that. Maltby isn't a useful player anymore, but I still think he still has a place on this team. I wouldn't want the Wings to get rid of him, as he's a guy who should his finish his career in Detroit. Edited January 26, 2008 by Kp-Wings Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 maltby rocks man, let him retire here...he plays his role great, he isnt expected to score all the time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted January 26, 2008 actually, prior to his back injury i thought maltby was playing better than he had in 3-4 yrs. now that hes in the lineup again there doesnt appear to be any signs of it being a recurring problem. it seems like they did the right thing by keeping him out so long I, too, was commenting on how before his back injury how he was looking more and more like the Maltby of old. Bad timing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted January 27, 2008 Maltby is not counted on to provide points anymore and accepts his limited role. He's a true Wing and a great guy. Put him on a team that needs him for offense and i bet you he scores 20 goals or more a year barring injury. The dude has a wicked shot and skates very well. Sometimes i get mad at his limited role and wonder why not use him over Samuelsson...? But hey I'm not the coach heh. Kirk Maltby rocks!! And is a true team player gotta respect that. 20 goals! That's a big ask. I guess the answer is an overwhelming yes, he's doing his job. I know where you'll all coving from but I guess without the loyalties as some others feel, there isn't a lot otherwise that keeps him in the line-up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted January 27, 2008 I hear what youre saying about Maltby, but you have to remember that a BIG reason why Maltby was re-signed is because he is a Red Wing through and through. It reflects well on the organization to keep Maltby around. It shows other teams that Detroit's brass is loyal and generous, and it shows their dedication towards keeping other teammates happy. Could you imagine how the departure of Maltby would affect the dressing room? I cant imagine that Draper and Osgood would be too happy, especially Draper if he lost his linemate and best friend for the last decade. Not to mention, Maltby is one of the guys still around from the Cup Winning years. Its nice to have players that casual fans can identify, with so many other players coming and going in todays NHL. Exactly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest LivingtheDream Report post Posted January 28, 2008 Who would you rather have on the PK, or on a tight game with a one point lead going into the final minutes or shutting down a teams top line - Drake, Sammy, one of the younger guys or..... Maltby? Please. Why does everyone think flash and scoring = being an effective hockey player? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
imisssergei 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2008 Maltby is a seasoned vet who plays a very important role in the playoffs. Combined with Draper the Wings have the best PK forwards in the league. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toby91_ca 620 Report post Posted January 28, 2008 Combined with Draper the Wings have the best PK forwards in the league. I'm not sure I'd make that claim. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted January 29, 2008 Of course Maltby is doing his job; noone has complained the bench is too cold all season Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
