Malone Signs With Lightning, Lines His Wallet

Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League

Jun 30, 12:09 AM | Hype this story!

As hinted at earlier today, former Penguins forward Ryan Malone has indeed signed a long-term contract with the Lightning.

TSN is reporting the deal is worth $31.5 million over seven years, with a cap hit of $4.5 million.

He will earn $7 million in year one and $8 million in year two, with a sharp decline after that.

The 27-year-old had 51 points in the 2007-08 campaign, in which he helped the Penguins power their way to the Stanley Cup Finals.

With the signing, the Lightning will exchange the fourth round draft pick originally given to the Penguins for a third round draft pick.

Clearly, the deal was good for both teams, as the Penguins yielded a draft pick for a player they knew would not return, and the Lightning took a proactive step to ink a player who might have signed elsewhere as a free agent.

The other player involved in the trade, Gary Roberts, has yet to sign, though indications are that a one year contract could be worked out at some point tonight or tomorrow.

Comments

  1. Dabich

    Jun 30, 07:54 AM

    Tampa Bay will now be one of the teams I follow, after the Pens, of course. Good luck Bugsy!

  2. Pens1967

    Jun 30, 10:34 AM

    Wow, TB really overpaid for Malone, plus having to hire Bugsy, Sr.

    It’s pretty mind-boggling that he’ll make only a million dollars less than Crosby the next couple of years.

    With half the salary due in the first two years, that means the last 5 are 15M or 3M/yr or about what Malone is really worth. I’m guessing from this TB sees Malone as short term (2-3 yr) help, but a tradeable piece from years 4-7 with
    an affordable cost to a trade partner.

  3. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 30, 10:53 AM

    I wish him the best of luck as well, though I wonder if he’ll be the same player the Lightning thought they were signing.

  4. DAVID

    Jun 30, 07:48 PM

    Well, Florida picks up another of our fan favorites and overpays. I hope for Malone’s sake, it works out better than the Joey Porter to Miami signing.

    As with Joey Porter, Ryan Malone will be missed for his heart, hard work and commitment to the game!

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