Regardless of where he plays, he’ll always be remembered as a Red Wing. Larionov, Chelios, and dozens of others are still part of the family, even though they hung up their skates in some other city. Hell, with the exception of Lindsay’s return, not one of the Production Line ended their playing careers here.

Personally I hope he stays for the love of the organization. I have to imagine his leadership in Grand Rapids would be huge to the development of our prospects.

It depends. At his age, guys are usually thinking about what presents the best chance at winning, what presents the best chance of seeing payment on the investment of another season’s toil. Call me a homer, but Of the two options, I don’t think there’s any disputing that Detroit offers much better odds of that return than Tampa does.

Sure, the investment may be a bit heavier because he’d be taking long bus trips rather than flying up and down the East Coast, but still. Maybe just maybe the whole languishing in Grand Rapids would be worth it.

The hit to his pride may be pretty heavy, but ask Darren McCarty if he regrets a second of the time he spent in Grand Rapids. Yes, the specific circumstances are entirely different, but Mac leapt at the opportunity to be a part of possible glory. I’m not going to sit here and call for Maltby not to do the same thing.

The McCarty Precedent I was talking about was that of a veteran player the team didn’t have a main roster spot for during the regular season nonetheless getting a shot at contributing later. Obviously the specifics of the McCarty situation don’t apply here. But there is a general similarity and pointing to that isn’t bullshit as far as I can see.

Whether you’re talking about a guy coming out of a personal hell or a guy at the end of his career, it’s still a team taking care of its guys. As with McCarty, the Wings aren’t offering Maltby a contract in Grand Rapids so he can finish his career as a minor leaguer. They’re leaving the option open to use him again later if needed.

Kirk has more than earned the right to choose how he wants his career to wind down. He owes the Wings nothing, as he has been a loyal soldier since he arrived.

Even if he takes the 2-way deal here and is in Grand Rapids for most of the season, he would still be called up for the playoffs, and to have his leadership and experience in the dressing room would be hugely important. Yes, I realize there is already a lot of that present; but Kirk has 4 big shiny rings on his finger, and you listen to a guy who has accomplished that.

I hope he stays for selfish reasons, but if he takes a deal somewhere else (except Chicago, Colorado or Anaheim), I will wish him good luck and save travels.