Pens Trade Rights to Malone/Roberts

by Stros Bro on Jun 28, 2008 2:52 PM EDT Comment 18 comments

Really surprised to see this... especially this late in June.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded the negotiation rights for Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero announced Saturday that the Penguins traded the rights to the two pending unrestricted free agent forwards to Tampa Bay in exchange for Dallas’ fourth round pick, previously obtained by Tampa Bay, in the 2009 Entry Draft.

In the event Tampa Bay signs Malone to a contract for the 2008-09 season, the pick will become Tampa Bay’s third round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft.

Both Malone and Roberts are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2008.

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I think this is a smart move, though surprising. Roberts was definitely going, and Malone was already on his way out, so at least there’s a return on it, even if it is a fourth round pick.

I know it will depend on the offer, but I think there’s a good chance of Malone signing in Tampa, they have done a lot of building this offseason, and there’s still time left. They look really good, with Lecavalier locked up, Stamkos coming in, a new coach, new ownership etc.

I like this move by Shero, doesn’t cost him anything and gets a small return on the investment… of course I’d like it better if he was signing someone…

by Dayna on Jun 28, 2008 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree. I kinda wanna see some signage action instead of just dishing rights and picking up future draft picks.

Roberts, Dupuis, rights to Hossa, Malone and Conklin for Stamkos?

Just kiddin of course.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 28, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its all Melrose baby

I kind of hoped the Pens wouldve hired him a few years ago, obviously his celebrity and rep is bigger in the States, but the Lightning are off to a good start since hiring him last week.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 28, 2008 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They’re gonna be stacked up and contending again in no time at all.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 28, 2008 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hi guys,

Lightning fan here, I’ve heard some good stuff about Malone (stuck up for his teammates, physical player, ect.) and I’m just wondering, how do you guys judge him?

by R.J. Anderson on Jun 28, 2008 7:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey R.J., thanks for stopping by.

It’s sad to see Malone go. He came up huge for the Penguins when Sid was out and is coming off a career-high season for scoring. He’s dangerous and efficient on the penalty kill just as much as he is on the power play. He’s a set up guy in front of the net who looks to tip them in and get the rebound goals. Malone (aka Bugsy) is the hometown boy who has grown out of his pads. He’s going to be a huge addition to your staff if negotiations are made.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 28, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Frank

I’ve been reading PB since the playoffs, closest thing to a home hockey blog I’ll get until perhaps someone starts a Bolts one.

Seems like Malone could be a Modin/Stillman type for us.

by R.J. Anderson on Jun 28, 2008 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s a pretty good comparison in player-style. I feel Malone is really progressing as a player though and will likely put up 30-plus goals next season if he’s teamed up with guys like Lecav, St. Louis, Stamkos and – who was traded to Philly? I forget. But yeah – him. :-)

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 29, 2008 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prospal. That’s who I was thinking of. Yeah, TB can sign him on and really go insane this season.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 29, 2008 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've also re-added Evgeny Artyukhin

I assume Roberts is simply a replacement for Jeff Halpern who’s out until at least January. We have a ton of young defensemen to try and pair up along with Boyle/Kuba/Lukowich so we’ll see if they decide to add another top four/top six lineman.

Also our new owner Koules was quoted as saying he’s not worried about overpaying for Malone, hopefully he’s not going to give him five million without a second thought.

by R.J. Anderson on Jun 29, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poor Alpern man. Talk about a tough break. I’ve always wondered how injuries sustained outside the NHL are perceived by team management. Is his inability to play at the start of the season due to an injury sustained in international play factor into his pre-existing contract?

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 29, 2008 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

More $$ for Hossa?

One can hope he’ll reconsider the Pens first offer realizing Crosby can make him a Hall of Famer over the next seven years. He just looked really good in a Pens uni, so if they can use this sudden freed up cash on Hossa, I say go for it.

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Jun 28, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

totally – especially when you consider the growing cap space as well. That frees up an extra 6 mil a year…

Hmmmmmm

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 28, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both have signed with the Lightning

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/29/lightning_signings/

Sportsnet.ca— A day after trading for their rights, The Tampa Bay Lightning are close to signing Ryan Malone to a long-term year deal that will exceed $30 million and Gary Roberts to a one-year year deal that has the potential to reach $2 million, Sportsnet has learned.

by R.J. Anderson on Jun 29, 2008 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

31/7 to be exact.

by R.J. Anderson on Jun 29, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

eesh – looks like Malone could’ve been had fairly cheap back in Pitt. I just hope the upper echelons of Pittsburgh management understand what’s up and at least get something in his absence.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 29, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you really think that’s cheap for Malone? A lot of places I’ve read / heard seem to think it’s over priced for him. He’s 28, and this past season (on the wing of a red hot Malkin) was his career best. He’s valuable to the Pens with Malkin, but almost any winger is more valuable with Malkin centering them. I think his stock rose a lot in the second half of this season, but that play hasn’t been representative of his career at all…

I liked Malone, especially with Sykora and Malkin, but I’m still on the fence about this deal. I think we’ll have to wait and see how he plays in Tampa, to decide if the deal was worth it. I also can’t imagine that the Pens were offering him too much less than that unless they really thought he was going to take one for the team, which would be a little naive to assume, although this deal is a bit different because the first two years are set a lot higher (pay wise) than the last three (7-8 million in years 1 and 2, less in the following ones).

Now Shero needs to be looking for another winger who’s comfortable in front of the net.

by Dayna on Jul 1, 2008 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think 3.5/4 mil was doable to keep Malone in Pitt. I don’t think they wanted to offer him anything long-term though, so I think that’s where the discomfort came in. Malone will remain fluid with guys like Lecav and St. Louis around him, plus he gets to usher in Stamkos.

The Lightning announced they signed Roberts to a $2mil deal yesterday, and their website reports today that Malone is on for a 7-year deal.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jul 1, 2008 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs