The Chicago Wolves have re-signed left wing Steve Maltais for his 11th season with the club.
Currently, Frank Thomas (who joined the White Sox in 1990) and Sammy Sosa (who began his stint with the Cubs in 1992) are the only Chicago athletes who have been with their respective franchises longer than Maltais.
The only player to skate in all 10 seasons with the Wolves since the club’s inaugural 1994-95 season, Maltais led the team with 64 points in 76 games last season. The 35-year-old forward also tied for the team lead with 31 goals, his ninth 30-goal season in 10 years with Chicago. Maltais, who was named a 2004 AHL Second Team All-Star, tied for a team-high with nine points and ranked second on the Wolves with five goals in 10 postseason games last year as well.
Chicago’s all-time leader in goals (436), assists (454) and points (890) earned his second professional scoring title in 2002-03 with 86 points (30 goals, 56 assists) in 79 games. Maltais has led or shared first on the Wolves in goals in eight of his 10 seasons.
Maltais helped lead Chicago to three league championships, including a Calder Cup title in 2002. The Arvida, Que., native is tied for 13th in AHL history postseason points (76), goals (32) and assists (44) in just 74 games over six Calder Cup Playoff appearances.
Maltais notched four consecutive 100-point seasons from 1995-1999, and has collected four 50-goal campaigns, including a career-high 60 in 1996-97.
In 445 career AHL games with Chicago, Adirondack, Halifax and Baltimore, Maltais has amassed 195 goals and 253 assists for 448 points. He has also played parts of six NHL seasons with Columbus, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Washington, collecting 27 points in 120 games.
