Detroit Red Wings sign Kirk Maltby
The Detroit Red Wings have announced that they have re-signed forward Kirk Maltby to a one-year, two-way contract. Maltby became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and the signing guarantees him a 15th season with the club.
Maltby was drafted 65th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 1992 National Hockey League entry draft. He joined the Oilers for the 1993-94 season and spent two seasons with the club before being traded to the Red Wings in the middle of the 1995-96 campaign.
Over the next 14 years Maltby would make a name for himself as a hard working, defensive left-winger capable of playing against the other team’s top lines. His best offensive season came in 2002-03 when he notched 14 goals and 37 points while going a plus-17.
Over the past three seasons Maltby has been struggling to remain in the line-up, and last year he missed almost half the season with an injury.
Maltby is expected to start the year on Detroit’s third line. Likely joined by Mike Modano and Kris Draper, he will once again be counted on to face-off against the League’s top lines as a defensive specialist.
However, the Red Wings have several youngsters who will be looking for more playing time and it would not be a surprise if Maltby was moved to the fourth line early in the 2010-11 campaign. The 37-year-old Ontario native is reaching the end of his NHL career and his two-way contract is an example of that. It appears as though the Red Wings will be ready to move the winger down if he is not able to keep up.
Maltby will have to work harder than ever to remain in the Detroit line-up. Coming off of an injury, if Maltby is not able to contribute or if he is replaced, this could be his final NHL season.
Last year with the Red Wings Maltby managed four goals and two assists in 52 games.
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