Article Lightnings sign Malone to 7-year, $31.5M deal; acquire rights to Rolston - The Postgame Pub

**Phistar** · 06-30-2008, 02:45 AM

It looks like Tampa Bay has won the Ryan Malone lottery.

The Lightning inked the unrestricted free agent to a seven-year, $31.5 million contract Sunday, according to The Sports Network of Canada.

Tampa Bay dealt a third-round draft pick in 2009 for the short-term negotiating rights to Malone and Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Gary Roberts on Saturday. That allowed the Lightning to talk exclusively to Malone until the NHL free agency signing period begins Tuesday.

The Penguins didn't feel they could afford to re-sign Malone, who had 27 goals and 24 assists last season. The Pittsburgh native was believed to be seeking about $5 million per season.

Malone has 87 goals and 82 assists in 299 career games, all with the Penguins.

In another move, Tampa Bay acquired the rights to forward Brian Rolston from the Minnesota Wild for a conditional draft pick.

The Wild will get a selection in either the 2009 or 2010 draft, with Wild spokesman Aaron Sickman saying Sunday night it will depend on whether Tampa Bay re-signs Rolston.

Wild general manager Doug Risebrough said recently that if a deal wasn't reached by Tuesday, it would likely signal the end of Rolston's days in Minnesota.

Minnesota had been hoping to retain the 35-year-old Rolston for a few more years after getting 96 goals and 106 assists from him over the last three seasons.

Rolston had been one of Minnesota's most consistent and reliable players, missing only five games over his first three seasons with the Wild.

Rolston, who hit the 30-goal mark three consecutive seasons for the Wild, sent text messages to Twin Cities newspapers earlier Sunday saying he was "going to the first of July." He did not elaborate, and it wasn't immediately clear Sunday night whether he still planned to become a free agent Tuesday or if would try to reach a deal with Tampa Bay.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3466760

**nyG** · 06-30-2008, 08:26 PM

I like the moves that Melrose is trying to make. I didn't like them bringing him in as coach personally, but Malone is a good player and Rolston at his age is still a quality player in the league. Would be interesting if they could only get a good goalie.

06-30-2008, 02:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
Phistar Scream My Name! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,540 vCash: 102514 Donate PSN Gamertag: phister Rep Power: 129 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 2	Lightnings sign Malone to 7-year, $31.5M deal; acquire rights to Rolston It looks like Tampa Bay has won the Ryan Malone lottery. The Lightning inked the unrestricted free agent to a seven-year, $31.5 million contract Sunday, according to The Sports Network of Canada. Tampa Bay dealt a third-round draft pick in 2009 for the short-term negotiating rights to Malone and Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Gary Roberts on Saturday. That allowed the Lightning to talk exclusively to Malone until the NHL free agency signing period begins Tuesday. The Penguins didn't feel they could afford to re-sign Malone, who had 27 goals and 24 assists last season. The Pittsburgh native was believed to be seeking about $5 million per season. Malone has 87 goals and 82 assists in 299 career games, all with the Penguins. In another move, Tampa Bay acquired the rights to forward Brian Rolston from the Minnesota Wild for a conditional draft pick. The Wild will get a selection in either the 2009 or 2010 draft, with Wild spokesman Aaron Sickman saying Sunday night it will depend on whether Tampa Bay re-signs Rolston. Wild general manager Doug Risebrough said recently that if a deal wasn't reached by Tuesday, it would likely signal the end of Rolston's days in Minnesota. Minnesota had been hoping to retain the 35-year-old Rolston for a few more years after getting 96 goals and 106 assists from him over the last three seasons. Rolston had been one of Minnesota's most consistent and reliable players, missing only five games over his first three seasons with the Wild. Rolston, who hit the 30-goal mark three consecutive seasons for the Wild, sent text messages to Twin Cities newspapers earlier Sunday saying he was "going to the first of July." He did not elaborate, and it wasn't immediately clear Sunday night whether he still planned to become a free agent Tuesday or if would try to reach a deal with Tampa Bay. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3466760 __________________

06-30-2008, 08:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
nyG The F*ckin Best Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nY Posts: 2,699 vCash: 13470 Donate Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 55	Re: Lightnings reportedly sign Malone to 7-year, $31.5M deal; acquire rights to Rolston I like the moves that Melrose is trying to make. I didn't like them bringing him in as coach personally, but Malone is a good player and Rolston at his age is still a quality player in the league. Would be interesting if they could only get a good goalie. __________________ -->12-4-- HOME SWEET HOME<--