Malone To Columbus Rumor Update
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jun 13, 02:08 PM | Hype this story!
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has updated his information regarding a potential trade between the Blue Jackets and Penguins.
He writes:
“Ryan Malone is not going to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, unless the Penguins significantly up their offer. It’s looking more and more like the Penguins will get Evgeni Malkin signed to a contract extension and be able to keep right winger Marian Hossa. That will show Malone to the door.
“An NHL source said that Malone has been low-balled twice by the Penguins and is ready to leave July 1 as an unrestricted free agent. Malone’s rights could be traded before that day, of course, and the Blue Jackets are a likely destination.
“The source said the Penguins have already made the Blue Jackets an offer for Malone’s rights. Not sure what the offer was, or if the Blue Jackets are still contemplating it. But this could go down pretty quick, folks.
“Malone would definitely be happy to play for the Blue Jackets, a source said.”
It would appear that “Bugsy” might have priced himself out of Pittsburgh with a very good season. If, indeed, he does go, it will be a tough loss for the Penguins, both in terms of on-ice production and fan appeal.
Comments
Ben Schmidt
Jun 13, 02:40 PM
If Portzline is correct, though, there is a silver lining to this cloud: “It’s looking more and more like the Penguins will get Evgeni Malkin signed to a contract extension and be able to keep right winger Marian Hossa. That will show Malone to the door.”
I’ll be honest – if it means giving up Malone in order to keep Hossa? I’ll take Hossa.
I like Malone a lot, and I still hope they can find a way to keep him, but if not? Well, Caputi looks like he might be developing into the same type of player (though he probably won’t be ready for another couple years).
I guess we’ll find out soon enough which rumors are correct and which are not.
KG
Jun 13, 02:53 PM
Sacrifice Malone in order to sign Malkin and Hossa to long term deals? no brainer!
I wonder if we could get Orpik back as well…If we wind up extending MAF, Malkin, re-signing Hossa, Orpik. Then I would think Shero would be giddy!
Pens1967
Jun 13, 04:37 PM
If I put myself in Malone’s shoes, I’d be asking myself do I want 3-4M to be a first line player on a team that’s likely to be out of the playoff hunt by January or do I want to perhaps double my salary and play on the team in the town where I grew up and be part of being a Stanley Cup contender for the foreseeable future? There is NO way I would sign with Columbus even if the Pens did trade my rights. If I’m going to elect to test the market, I’d be looking at offers from teams that at least have a chance to be competitive.
Dabich
Jun 13, 04:58 PM
I’m gonna go drink all night.
Dayum, this sucks!
Pens1967
Jun 13, 05:16 PM
This is from Yahoo! Sports posted less than an hour ago in their CBJ Team Report.
No mention of Ryan Malone anywhere in this story.
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Free Agent Focus: If the Blue Jackets determine that center Derick Brassard and right winger Jakub Voracek are ready to play in the NHL next season, it could alter their approach to free agency. They have lots of money to spend and want to upgrade both their forwards and defensemen, but Brassard’s and Voracek’s development could allow them to spend more money on defense.
Biggest Needs: The Blue Jackets are intent on adding one or two playmaking centers this summer. They also want one or two “top-four” defensemen, at least one of whom can run a power play.
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http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AiPMSqmxHhx9Fs.r1hKgrz35rZJ4?slug=teamreports-2008-nhl-cob&prov=sportsxchange&type=team_report
Moncalvo
Jun 13, 07:12 PM
Difficult to read how much is posturing and how much is reality playing. I think besides the amusing comment on the KDKA video some weeks ago about this, and some language from his agent in the last day or two, there’s been little in the way of substantiated information, not page 6 rumors. I think Malone faces the obvious decision, hometown discount for competitive team or maximize funds – which isn’t to be looked down upon, so limited is the career of many players. Also, what’s the status of Umberger? Has Philly re-signed him already? He seemed to have a good presence around the puck as well, speaking of hometown players.
Pens1967
Jun 13, 08:34 PM
One of my Philadelphia area friends, who is a hockey fanatic as well as a transplanted Pittsburgher, tells me the Flyers intend to resign both Carter and Umbarger.
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