Faceoff Factor

Malone's Words Foreshadow Re-Signing?

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Mar 13, 08:42 AM | Hype this story!

In front of a sellout crowd of 17,132 fans — the 35th of the season, a new team record — Ryan Malone took the microphone and spoke to the best fans in the sport.

After a brief “thank you” for the support, Malone concluded with, “Let’s win this thing.”

Win they did — and by a big spread. But that win wasn’t as important as Malone’s words.

This summer, Malone has the opportunity to test free agency and see what he can get on the open market.

The truth is, he the emerging power forward will garner a lot of interest, driving up the price to a level the Pittsburgh Penguins may not be able to reach.

Malone is in the midst of a career year, and not just in one category.

• His 24 goals are two more than his previous best
• His 19 assists are three away from his 22 assists two years ago
• His 43 points are one shy of the 44 he earned in 2005-06
• His plus-11 rating is much improved over his previous high of plus-4
• His 89 penalty minutes smash his previous most of 71

And that is just what appears on the stat sheet.

Let’s not forget that he has become one of the team’s best fighters, though he is disciplined enough to pick his spots. He has learned to pay the price to score goals in front of the net, like a true power forward. And he has improved his determination and effort in all three zones, making him very difficult to play against.

Quite honestly, Malone has become one of the most important players on the team and has earned the respect of his teammates, which explains the “A” on his sweater.

So last night’s gratitude to the fans shouldn’t come as a surprise, and neither should his willingness to take less to stay in Pittsburgh this summer.

In a world where money is everything, Malone is showing that happiness is everything.

Malone is a hometown boy who grew up idolizing the Penguins. While his permanent residence isn’t in the Steel City, he does have strong ties to the area and, of course, he hasn’t known any other NHL team.

His words last night have proven his loyalty, his love for this city, this team, and these fans, and, in my opinion, have sealed the deal that the man they call “Bugsy” will remain with this team for years to come.