It’s been reported that Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has told right wing Darren McCarty to seek out options from the other 29 NHL clubs.
With an abundance of talent and little cap room, the Leamington, Ontario-native’s only offer from Detroit is in the two-way variety.
If he accepts such a deal, there’s a very distinct possibility he’ll spend more time playing for the Wings' AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids than with the big club.
It might be hard for some Red Wings fans to accept, but the glory days of seeing No. 25 patrol the wing, standing up for teammates, and scoring opportune playoff goals are over.
If there needs to be any reminder of this, just look at the starting lineup for Game Six of the Stanley Cup finals. Darren Helm, a 20-year old NHL rookie, was skating on the fourth line while the three-time Cup winning McCarty was watching from a press box.
In fact, McCarty suited up for a mere two games in Detroit’s six-game Finals victory.
And finally, the fact that Holland committed to signing Aaron Downey to a contract earlier in the week indicates where McCarty fits on the team's overall depth chart.
Considering McCarty’s age and financial troubles, it would be in his best interest to seek employment with another team. General managers are always looking for experience, grit and heart—something Darren possesses in spades.
Regardless of what choice he ultimately makes, fans should remember McCarty for the integral role he played in Detroit’s 1997 Cup win over Philadelphia, which ended a 42-year championship drought. His highlight-reel, game-winning goal at Philly defender Janne Niinimaa's expense is something NHL fans will always remember.
Thank you, Darren—and good luck.
6 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Greg Caggiano 10 months ago
I think his future can be seen at the roulette table in Las Vegas...
Edit Comment Cancel
John Smith 10 months ago
I was going to write an article on this in the next couple of days. I agree completely. As an avid Wings fan, I hope McCarty gets a team to sign him.
He's slower and he's not the enforcer he used to be. McCarty would end up taking Helm's spot and I wouldn't want that to happen. I remember too many times in the playoffs where McCarty takes a bad penalty and the Wings don't need that.
Thanks for all the great memories Mac, I appreciate it and I was a huge fan, but it's time to move on.
Edit Comment Cancel
Alan Bass 10 months ago
Darren's story is an inspirational one, and one that everyone should know about. Unfortunately, I don't think he's good enough to be back for another year, but what he did this year was bring leadership to the dressing room.
Edit Comment Cancel
Chris Pope 10 months ago
Ive always loved Mac and seeing him come back this year was amazing! I do disagree that the Wings picked Downs over Mac. They offered them both the same contract and both of them would most likely spend the majority of the season in Grand Rapids. I am a firm believer that the Wings need either Mac or Downey in their line-up for the majority of the season to make room out there for the younger players and hold certain players accountable so we dont run into teams playing us tough and having our Euros shy away. Despite what happens to Mac it was great seeing him come back and win another cup with the Winged Wheel and I think that "The D" will always have a special place for Maccer!
Edit Comment Cancel
Dean Speir 10 months ago
Think "injuries." With a guy like McCarty on a two-way ciontract, he'd be a great hedge against one of the full-time Red Wings roster wings going to with a knee or groin injury. Be comforting to have an experienced palyer step in instead of an unproven rookie.
Edit Comment Cancel
Carlo Silvio 10 months ago
his goal in the 97 Finals still gives me goosebumps when i think about it
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.