End of the Road for Two Veterans?

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Is the end in sight for Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty?

We’ve been discussing it a bit during tonight’s GDT but I feel as though it deserves its own thread. Tonight against Los Angeles the two players in question received very little ice-time, Maltby: 6:57 and McCarty: 3:43. Those are alarming numbers but perhaps what’s even more alarming is that Maltby played less than 5 minutes at even strength. He was a healthy scratch against Chicago and with Franzen out he came back into the line-up but barely played.

By scratching Maltby, Babcock obviously feels as though he isn’t of much use to the team anymore and I agree. He was a PK specialist and a fine agitator but these days his role has become so reduced that there’s not much he can do. On top of Dats and Hank killing penalties we have seen the emergence of guys like Cleary, Filppula and Franzen. Maltby will see little time on the PK and it seems at ES too. As for McCarty, I really don’t see why he’s even in the picture anymore. Sure he’s been a terrific contributor for the team but realistically we have to move on. Babcock wasn’t here when he was at his best so in theory he wouldn’t be biased towards him. If he’s no longer capable of playing at the level required, why is he even here?

I could be reading too much into the TOI but less than 7 minutes for Maltby? Up until this point I haven't even mentioned Draper but he's under the gun too. Just over 10 minutes for him but Drapes is still brilliant on faceoffs and has speed and better defensive skills so he's worthwhile having around, for this season at least.

[Rice 42]

At this point, Helm and Leino would likely contribute much more than Maltby and McCarty. The thing is, the organization is extremely loyal and that's one of the keys to their success. As long as the veterans aren't hurting the team, they'll be in the line-up over the rookies -- although in my opinion, McCarty was a liability in the playoffs last year. Helm, Leino, and Abdelkader will get their time soon. It's just the way the Wings operate... and it works.

As for Draper, he showed his value in the playoffs last year. As you said, he's excellent on face-offs and still has great speed.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

At this point, Helm and Leino would likely contribute much more than Maltby and McCarty. The thing is, the organization is extremely loyal and that's one of the keys to their success. Helm, Leino, and Abdelkader will get their time soon.

As for Draper, he showed his value in the playoffs last year. As you said, he's excellent on face-offs and still has great speed.

Agreed. Maltby and McCarty are proof to the rest of the Wings that if they're given a contract, if they buy into the take less to stay philosophy, they won't be hung out to dry. I honestly feel that having Malts around is part of the price you pay to get the rest of the guys for less. Loyalty isn't all selfless

[rage 24]

I thought this would be about Shanny and Feds.

[rage 24]

I'd like to add that we are going to need these players at their budget levels when we resign Hossa.

We may need to (trade) Malts/Mac/Cleary.

Draper is untouchable.

Mickey Redmond said we could never win a Cup without the Grind Line, M/D/M.

I started to believe that last playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Agreed. Maltby and McCarty are proof to the rest of the Wings that if they're given a contract, if they buy into the take less to stay philosophy, they won't be hung out to dry. I honestly feel that having Malts around is part of the price you pay to get the rest of the guys for less. Loyalty isn't all selfless

First of all let me say that I really do love the loyalty this organisation shows and there is no doubt it goes a long way towards the success this club has. However they also need to weigh up whether the player(s) in question is actually still contributing to the team and whether there is anyone else who could do the same job. Now I don’t know about you but personally I think Helm and Abdelkader could both come in and do what Maltby is doing.

McCarty really has no reason to be here. You could possibly mount a case for Maltby but as far as I’m concerned McCarty is just wasting a spot someone else could fill. He doesn’t score, he doesn’t play on the special teams, he barely hits and he certainly doesn’t fight these days. So he’s still around because of…loyalty?

What concerns me is that Maltby is signed for next season. Are we really prepared to let Helm and Abdelkader play out another season in a league they’re clearly too good for just so we can keep Maltby around to play <7 minutes a night and keep on being loyal? In our past 2 games he’s been a healthy scratch and has played 6:57, another season and his role will be decreased even further. I think Babs is sending a pretty clear message that his time is just about up. Holland and co are going to have to make some tough decisions at the end of the season and I’d say whether to retain Maltby will definitely be one.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I thought this would be about Shanny and Feds.

Dude- Feds is an integral cog on the Washington team right now. His defensive play, leadership, faceoff skills and scoring touch are all very much valued over there.

[Wingnut in WA 86]

I have to agree, I understand the orginizations loyalty to the players but honestly what does McCarty do for our team? You could argue that he has veteren leadership but half our team has a ton of leadership to show the ropes to the younger guys. I would really just wish Holland would send him down and get some young talent into the lineup that can actually contribute. Having Helm, Ab, or Leino would benefit our team much more then an aging Mac or Maltby who can't skate or come close to contribute on the same level they did during the late 90's cup years. Loyality is one thing but hindering the young talent we have in our farm system is another.

[hckypete96 3]

maltby will be in the preess box next season IMO and maybe most of this season.

[rage 24]

Dude- Feds is an integral cog on the Washington team right now. His defensive play, leadership, faceoff skills and scoring touch are all very much valued over there.

I know, of course.

Still, I am sorry but I really thought this!!! LOL, it would just be typical of Detroit fans to post this right now with Shanny out, and add in how much they dislike Feds.

Whatever. It was a good laugh when reading the title and using my imagination!

[Louisville 112]

It's only been one game with the grind line back together, and their play didn't really have an outcome on this game. I can already anticipate what people are going to say, and unless there is an injury, forget it.

But Babcock's comments about the reunited grind line before the game was this,

"I expect them to be good," Babcock said. "I've said it the other day, and I'll say it again - we need four lines competing and working hard and being energized and making a contribution."

It's fine if our fourth line doesn't contribute much, but they need to be what a 4th line needs to be...Crashing and banging. Keeping the d-men on their toes when they retrieve the puck. Crashing the net. Talking trash after the play. Didn't see that much tonight. I'll remain hopeful that will change.

I'm not even asking for Drake-kamikazee style hits, but just something to create energy and pump the team up. Why Maltby doesn't use his body more is something I don't understand. At least with Drake we had guys looking over their shoulder, and he was solid on the PK. McCarty is something we will have to wait and see, because if he isn't fighting or on special teams then it's going to be hard to even figure what his job really is.

Draper is fine. Still great on face offs (an underrated stat IMO) and is a much better skater than the other two. Seems like he always steps his game up in the playoffs too.

I'm not real worried about it though. I respect the Wings' loyalty factors, and I think they will figure it out in the end.

[ShanahanMan 473]

I think Malt has another year left in him and thats it. The organization is basically keeping him due to loyalty and the fact he's one of the few remaining pieces of our 90's Stanley Cup pie. By 2010 or 2011 that whole team will probably be gone and it will mark the end of a GREAT era for the Wings.

Unlike some (cough, cough Sammy cough) Maltby still works hard and grinds every shift. So, let the guy have another season on our team and allow him to retire at his discretion.......not ours. He earned it.

McCarty.......sorry to say but its time to hang em up.

[Guest Shoreline]

I personally am happy the Wings are willing to give the younger, more energized guys a chance.

With all of the talk about this smart drafting, especially in recent years, I've been wanting to see proof in the pudding. And it's finally coming to fruition.

[Nev 1,085]

Are, right now, Helm/Abdelkader/Leino better than McCarty & Maltby? The answer is undoubtedly yes, and they are all more deserving of a roster spot.

However, as we all know, the Wings are in a real cap-crunch/roster space situation, which is the real reason why Helm and Leino are in GR.

Come the playoffs, when the roster restrictions are eased I would not be the slightest bit surprised to see some of those young guns in the line-up. Helm and Abdelkader are perfect replacements for Maltby and McCarty.

[CenterIce 83]

Babcock doesn't use his fourth line much to begin with, no matter who is on it, so don't read too much into his ice time numbers for them. He wants more ice time for Datsyuk and Zetterberg's lines, which comes at the expense of the fourth line.

[jvxp 0]

I agree both Maltby and McCarty are useless. They offer nothing. McCarty looked better last year when they brought hime up. This year he sucks as does Maltby. Get rid of them !

[NomadFromKazoo 42]

The thing is, the organization is extremely loyal and that's one of the keys to their success

Whiff. The DATA in the post you replied to addressed the "key to success" a lot more then "loyalty."

Maltby: 6:57 and McCarty: 3:43

We PLAY our youngsters in Grand Rapids rather then lest them SIT in Detroit.

[NomadFromKazoo 42]

what does McCarty do for our team?

Loyality is one thing but hindering the young talent we have in our farm system is another.

Hmm...It's HINDERING our young talent to play them in Grand Rapids? Who exactly are you proposing to sit on the bench in Detroit rather then play in Grand Rapids to speed their development? The end of the road in the NHL for McCarty and Maltby is coming. They've been in the league a long time. But what we get are vets who get our system and team and history who are willing to play the minutes we give them with a good attitude. You can't play 23 guys all the time, you need guys like that you can count on in limited minutes. They know how to play the game and their development isn't being hindered as you propose to do with our young talent by having them sit at the end of the bench and play a few minutes a night.

[VM1138 1,921]

McCarty is a fine 4th liner. Maltby is a good player, too, and has been playing great hockey. He's been scratched and playing less because we're always playing from behind and trying to even the score, so we rely heavily on our top two lines, I think.

But I do see Malts retiring at the end of the season.

[Spinner 6]

I do hope the grind line steps it up. It would be nice to see them in acton again. If not, I think you keep McCarty around as an "asst. trainer" to teach some of the young-uns how to fight. I think Malts has earned the right to retire in Detroit but should be prepared for many healthy scratches.

[egroen 384]

The grind line had two excellent shifts and one in particular last night where they looked really good, like it was ten years ago. Crashing into everyone, disrupting play and any momentum the other team was getting. Last night Maltby and McCarty played fine, despite their lack of minutes. I see next year being the end of the line for them, but they were definitely not a liability last night.

Edited October 28, 2008 by egroen

[wingedone 0]

McCarty is a fine 4th liner. Maltby is a good player, too, and has been playing great hockey. He's been scratched and playing less because we're always playing from behind and trying to even the score, so we rely heavily on our top two lines, I think.

But I do see Malts retiring at the end of the season.

I agree. If we could get some multi-goal leads and wins, then Babs has the discretion to roll all 4 lines equally. When your scratching for every win, the best players, play.

Lets see what happens when the D finally gets going. Then check out their times and see if he still has little faith in them.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I know, of course.

Still, I am sorry but I really thought this!!! LOL, it would just be typical of Detroit fans to post this right now with Shanny out, and add in how much they dislike Feds.

Whatever. It was a good laugh when reading the title and using my imagination!

Well I did laugh when I read your response. I just went into Feds defense mode afterwords

[union drone 0]

Is the end in sight for Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty?

We’ve been discussing it a bit during tonight’s GDT but I feel as though it deserves its own thread. Tonight against Los Angeles the two players in question received very little ice-time, Maltby: 6:57 and McCarty: 3:43. Those are alarming numbers but perhaps what’s even more alarming is that Maltby played less than 5 minutes at even strength. He was a healthy scratch against Chicago and with Franzen out he came back into the line-up but barely played.

Let's also not forget that the last couple of games were ones in which we were either tied or trailing most of the game. I don't expect the grind line to see much action when you need a goal just to force OT. I know Maltby was out against Chicago, but still the fourth line didn't see much time there either (Mac and Drapes included).

[Konnan511 1,736]

I agree both Maltby and McCarty are useless. They offer nothing. McCarty looked better last year when they brought hime up. This year he sucks as does Maltby. Get rid of them !

McCarty played really well his first game of the season. Maltby hasn't been playing bad either, especially during the first couple games of the season when he was playing very well.