As the 08-09 playoffs wrap up its only logic that we look ahead to what the 09-10 season brings us. Sure the Redwings will be minus a couple of faces, but the core of this team stays intact. Thank you Kenny Holland.
Of the 23 man roster 3 men stick out like sore thumbs. Four time Stanley Cup winners Tomas Holmstrom, Kirk Maltby, and Nick Lidstrom. Holmstrom and Maltby's resume isnt quite as filled out as Lidstroms, but these two worked their way up the depth chart for many years until finding their roles on the team. Lidstrom too worked his way up the depth chart , but he did it in all-star fashion racking up a amazing 997 points in 1330 regular season games.
What do all three of the men have in common? Their contracts are up following the 09-10 season. Some may say it's over due for the likes of Holmstrom and Maltby, but they have been strong contributor's to this team on and off the ice. Lidstrom's reign of preciously timed poke checks and inhuman abilities among other things has been of strong quality, but heavy playoff battles as well as a bum elbow might be catching up with him. Kenny Holland will be itching for an extension, but don't expect Lidstrom to make a commitment till after the season is over. As for Maltby and Holmstrom; don't expect a return from these grizzled veterans as they will ride out in the horizon with all the respect in the world. Hockey town will be forever changed as new faces will fill voids and another chapter in the book is filled.
All will not be lost as Detroit's abilities to draft well and plug holes is extraordinary. The on ice product the Red wings put out season after season is phenomenal so don't expect this Big Red Machine to slow down any time soon. Keep the faith Hockey town.
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Couldn't agree with you more. both Maltby and homer have served us well
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