Dimaline312000 51 Report post Posted May 11, 2009 It's an easy decision for me.... Boom Gone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T.OWingsFan 7 Report post Posted May 11, 2009 Maltby is just ineffective out there. He doesn't make mistakes, but he is not really noticeable, which for the grind line isn' t too good since their supposed to make some hits and energize the crowd/team. I'm thinking after his current contract is done he will retire. Either that or he really does some off season physical conditioning to bring him up a notch. Either way, as been mentioned the guy's EARNED his spot and should play for Detroit as long as he wants to/his contract allows. Love the guy, but he's just not into it too much anymore. D-Mac should still be allowed to stay with the Griffins and the Red Wing organization. In his prime he was a great physical specimen and can bring that no-how to the younger lads. Draper's still got it. If and when he losses his wheels he'll call it quits on his own I'm sure. But he's still great in the dot and has the wheels. Between him and Helm that's a hella fast line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted May 11, 2009 The Red Wings are going to lose forwards in free agency this summer whether it be Hossa, Hudler, Samuelsson or some combination of the three. Helm is already far better than Kopecky, but I do agree with the sentiment that Maltby and Draper will play out their contracts for loyalty purposes. I don't see any way Helm isn't on the team next season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clutchngrab 12 Report post Posted May 11, 2009 This. Anyone who thinks Maltby or Draper will be ousted before their contract is over is crazy (barring injury, of course). A big reason why the Wings manage to get people to sign for less for them is their loyalty and commitment to the players who committed to them. I think the wings have been more than generous to Drapes and Malts over the years, and I for one would like to give them a hearty handshake after this year and move on with other younger players who are what Drapes and Malts used to be. Once you start playing players strictly on the basis of longevity and not based on merit you have problems. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted May 11, 2009 Holmstrom is on the last year of his $2.25m/yr contract next year, as well. Hopefully Maltby retires after next year and Draper the following - Draper retiring before that would be pointless, as his salary would still count towards the cap. Holmstrom should be looked at on a year-to-year basis, eventually becoming a 4th line player and power play specialist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted May 11, 2009 Clutchngrab, what options do they have, waiver wire? Is someone gonna rush to grab Malts off the wire to save the Wings so they can have Hossa? Draper I think they still need and he has a lot to add. I think the only way is to wait Malts out a year, he signed the contract past 35 years of age, I think his B-day is 12/22/72, any one know for sure the date he signed? Closest I can find says 5/4/2007 which puts him at age 34??! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
