I see Chris’ point, but… let’s be realistic here: Maltby still has a shot at cracking the lineup in Detroit at some point this year, whether it’s in the regular season or the playoffs.
The Wings did not satisfy some mystical injury quota last season. It is not outside the realm of possibility that the team will be in need of a call-up or two at some point. Maltby may not be at the head of the line, but it wouldn’t take too many LTIR-style injuries to result in his triumphant return to the Joe. And if injuries don’t come along, there’s always the McCarty Precedent.
I wouldn’t have a problem with Maltby going to Tampa Bay, but I wouldn’t automatically advise he do so. If nothing else, it’d be easier on the family to be just a couple hours down the freeway than in an entirely different state. And at this stage in his career, family considerations weigh heavily.
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Kris hosts this one. Topics include players most in need of improvement this season, players mostly likely to improve, the third pairing and takes on the Wings’ off-season.
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Update (2:20 PM): Now Khan reports that Kronwall had his surgery this morning. And apparently he’ll make camp. Which is awesome (and amazing. Modern medicine FTW!) - Matt
You’ve probably already seen this, but for completeness’ sake: Sounds like Nik’s discomfort became noticeable three weeks ago. So the rest and recuperation angle may have worked. Sort of. What he’s feeling now is not in the same place as the discomfort he felt during the season.
Specialists have suggested a surgery, so it seems likely he’ll get it scoped out. Fortunately, they don’t expect him to miss any regular season time, but he’ll be starting the season at a disadvantage because he’d probably be missing camp and the pre-season.
I’m a little concerned about the fact that the pain isn’t where he was feeling it before (maybe he tweaked it at the swimming part of Zetterberg’s wedding festivities?), but unless there’s some surprising news when they go in, his recovery time shouldn’t be too bad. Hopefully he’ll be able to get into the swing of things soon after getting back on the ice. The Wings’ll need him to.
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@HockeyJoePHT was the first that I saw to say the Wings have a press conference scheduled for tomorrow, but @CraigCustance had the fact that it involves Chelios first. Now Khan has more details at the headline link.
And no, it’s not to announce that Chris Chelios is replacing Brad MacCrimmon on the bench. Sadly. But whatever the specifics of his role are, it’s a great move for an organization that really needs its young defensemen to pick up the development pace.
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Tyler at The Triple Deke hosts this one. Topics include picks for the backside of the Wings’ Mount Puckmore, the biggest surprises and disappointments of this coming season, and the Wings’ status as #1.
I got a little too caught up in my pick for Devereaux with a slot on the back of Mount Puckmore to come up with other names. But I guess I’d put Tomas Sandstrom, Wendel Clark and (obligatory) Jason Williams up there with Boyd.
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Great rundown of the realities of the cap NHL and veteran players, and how hard it is to balance loyalty and financial necessity. Holland’s doing the best he can by offering Maltby a chance at getting back with the team later in the season. I don’t know what else he’s supposed to do.
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Nightmare on Helm Street has added a new team member: Sullyosis. Sweet.
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Kyle’s got an internship with the Griffins this year, which is awesome. The downside is it means Babcock’s Death Stare is going on hiatus for the season, at least. We’ll still be able to catch some of his writing at the Griffins’ official site, but it just won’t be the same as reading somewhat unfiltered reports of life as an intern on BDS. Disappointing from a reader perspective, but it’s a great opportunity for Kyle, so on balance, this is good news.
We’ve had our battles, but I mean this, Kyle: good luck with the internship, and with senior year!
We’re going to need others to pick up the slack on guys in the system. With Megan and Sarah still season ticket holders, I should be able to provide some insights here, but it won’t fully make up the difference.
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The Production Line has a new home, as does The Obstructed View, which is now called The Production Hour. And Chris Hollis will be joining the TPL crew. Intro post here.
Congrats to Petrella, Discher and Hollis on the new digs—looking good!
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Update (4:17 PM): Clark has pointed out a major brain cramp on my part: Rouse’s number was 3. Ugh. Sorry about that. Lame joke replaced with another one. – Matt
Red Wings Central via George Malik via Detroit Hockey: Salei’s keeping his #24 and symbolically further cementing his role as aged mentor, Kindl’ll try to live up to Rouse’s legacy with #4 clear #4′s name of the Krupp stain, Smith gets Jiri’s #2 (a little sad), MacDonald’s going with a not-so-great #31 (just don’t cry when talking to the media), and Tomas Tatar is taking on the baggage that comes with #21.
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