Lightning gets rights to Ryan Malone, Roberts

The Lightning pulled off another pre-free agency trade Saturday, acquiring the negotiating rights to forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from the Penguins for the fourth-round pick in 2009 the Lightning acquired from Dallas in the Brad Richards deal. Compensation becomes a third-round pick if Tampa Bay signs Malone.

The deal is similar to the one the Lighting made to get the rights for Vinny Prospal. You have to believe Tampa Bay believes it can sign Malone and Roberts before the free agency period begins. It would be a nice addition to a team looking for top-six forwards, but a bit of a chance depending on how much the Lightning ends up paying.

Malone, 28, a 6-foot-4, 224-pounder, had 27 goals, 51 points in 77 games. He also play with the edge the Lightning desperately needs with 103 penalty minutes. A great person in the locker room, Malone camps out in front of the net on the power play and played the Stanley Cup final with a broken nose after taking a shot in the face. The question is, in a free agent year in which there is so little depth at forward, how much will Malone want. Speculation is in the $5-million range. He would play on the second line with Steve Stamkos.

Asked if in a year in which free agent depth at forward is so shallow, he is worried about overpaying, owner Oren Koules said, "The answer is no."

"He's prototypical of what all of us have been looking for in a hockey player," Koules added.

Roberts is a bit of surprise, given how new ownership the past few days and coach Barry Melrose, keeps saying how much younger the team is going to get. Roberts is 42 and had just three goals in 38 games last season while suffering from a broken left leg and high ankle sprain. He has 434 goals in his career. he also wants to be closer to his family in Canada and is expected to want to sign with the Maple Leafs or Senators. But he has been a god leader throughout his career, so perhaps Melrose and owner Oren Koules can pursuade him to take a chance on the Lightning. And, in fact, Roberts had to waive a no-trade clause, so there might actually be some interest. Would seem Roberts is seen as a third-line guy and a locker-room presence that would command respect from young and old players alike.

Roberts' agent Rick Curran said Roberts did, indeed, want to play closer to home. But he had such a blast playing last season with the Penguins' youngsters, such as Jordan Staal, he would love the chance to work with Steve Stamkos.

"Rob gets excited by stuff like that," Curran said. "He's pretty enthused. ... If we can get something done, he's not against the possibility. It could be fun."

"We've been talking so much about changing the culture of our dressing room to make sure it's 20 guys going in the same direction," Koules said. "There's nobody who epitomizes team and ruggedness and willing to win a hockey game than Gary Roberts. We want that voice and leadership in our room." 

Comments

[Steve]

Who cares about Richards/Bradley, neither of them is here, go to a bolts alumni site and debate that.

A 3rd or 4th round pick for the opportunity to sign an up and coming power forward to a multi-year deal, well worth the chance. Perhaps there is also some type of connection between Roberts and Malone? I also would like to Huselius, he would be a good fit with Stamkos (and Malone). I really do hope we reach out for a least one decent defenseman though, it almost scares me that they aren't talking about it considering our whole defense, outside of Boyle, are 5th or 6th defenseman on most other teams.

[McGz]

I'm not a big fan of giving up so many draft picks, but if they sign Malone and Roberts to respective contracts it is definitely worth it. Malone is a big power forward that would be perfect on SS line. Roberts is also a gritty player with some skill in his own right. An upgrade at left wing on either the 3rd or 4th line. The only place I saw that Malone's dad was hired as scout was at TSN. Is this true?

[Don in St. Pete]

Any comparison between Ritchy and Brads would be unfair, but a few of the facts not touched on before should be mentioned. It's true that it was an expansion year so more players than normal reached the 40 oal plateau. It's also true that the old rules did not favor a smaller faster player. and that clutching and grabbing was rampant. Richards was more of a playmaker, but I think his true value was in running the PP. You saw how we did after he left, it wasn't pretty even with Boyle. Brads was a pure goal scorer and under todays rules would have lasted 10-12 season and averaged 35 per. Ritchy was the consummate setup man with nobody to pass the puck to the past 2 seasons. In my eyes their value was about equal but I would have liked to seen the damage they could have caused playing together.

[Another Joe]

Prospal shouldnt be upset if Malone gets more then him. The big difference is Malone is 28 years old and Prospal is 33 years old.

[bob]

Todd Bertuzzi anyone and qiut talking about the past Bradley and Richards ect ect Time to look at the future. It maybe fun especially if you dont listen to the nay sayers here

[olin storahund]

...I think you can remember when Calgary came into town last year, Husse nicked us for FOUR.

[olin storahund]

....how 'bout Huselius to go with Jussi- Husse is as fast and can score goal's, and I need a Swede on the team.

[Don in St. Pete]

Sage words from Skyjive, Dick Tracy and Goalman! Ajax, although we've diagreed often, I have to say your last post was almost verbatim what I would have said. Thanks! To you naysayers out there who said don't go after Tucker and now say don't go after Roberts, I say, what is this a popularity contest or hockey? There's a reason Gary Roberts is a borderline hall of famer and it's not just because of goals and assist's. He had his teamates back everytime they stepped on the ice. While he's past his prime, I think he's be a great fit filling in for Halpern until he comes back. he also brings a strong work ethic to the room. All you people saying, no, no ,no.....you'd better do your research. We need a guy like Gary Roberts, though the Malone part is huge and most of the weight for the pick. Malone is the key to what Stamkos will be able to accomplish this year no doubt, but I think Malone enjoyed filling this same role for the Pens the past 2 years with Crosby and Malkin. Those of you, poo-pooing the attempt to sign Roberts, I suggest you save the money you'd have spent on Lightning tickets and buy season tickets the Ballet or the orchestra. Us hockey fans are getting nicely acquaited with our new owners who clearly know the difference between a Ballet and a hockey game. We need to get tougher. You saw it in the last dozen or so games of the year when Roy was benched and Grats out. The ran MSL and injured V4. We cannot allow it to be common knowledge that teams can do this to us without retribution. This is not the high school prom, but hockey, the fastest, most demanding and most physical game of all. I've played every sport but nothing comes close to hockey except College Basketball, you have 45 seconds to make an impact or keep the other team from doing so. It is all out, puke your guts out over the effort, sports to the highest degree. Nobody shaves during their cup run for good reason, they still have the shakes from their extraordinary effort the night before. Don't sell the owners short. if they can make one or both of these deals happen that is huge for our clubhouse and the future of the Lightning. Also remember there are tons of Pitt fans in the local area. Welcome Gary and Ryan!

[Nate Dogg]

Roberts...I never thought he was gonna play hockey after he broke his leg...yet here I stand corrected. I know he wouldn't be a bad addition to our 4th line, but come on!

Let the guy out to pasture, already! He's had a great career! Keep it at that!

ND

[Nate Dogg]

Yes, very interesting, Boltflasher...one can only hope the likes of Orpik could come in and play 3rd defenseman.

A core of

Boyle-Ranger
Picard-Orpik
Kuba- O'Brien

doesn't sound bad at all...even replacing Orpik's name with Mike Commodore wouldn't be a bad thing. I dig you're thinking Boltflasher!

P
Nate Dogg

[matt]

Anyone realize the Bolts hired Malone's father as a scout? TSN updated the article to add that bit of drama.

[Tony]

If you sign Roberts it better not be for more than $1 mil for 1 year which equals about 40 games at this stage of his career...I agree, I think he was a throw in for this deal to be made.

[Sid Stacey]

Malone, yes yes yes
why not go for a goal scorer like michael Ryder of Montreal. He scored a ton of goals for the Habs in three years. He could certainly help the Lightning so that they don't have to depend on the first line

ajax, do us all a favor and forget richards. he and his contract have been traded and he is not here anymore. i have no clue as to why you insist on bringing him up in every third post of yours. it is obvious your infatuation with him is not normal. did he sleep with your woman or something?

give us all a break and drop it for goodness sake. it has become obnoxious. leave it alone, he is gone. get it out of your head.

[who cares about brian bradley?]

Brad may not have scored 42 even in that era, but I'm sure his club record of assists would've been near untouchable in that scoring era.

[Mike13]

Very interesting idea Boltflasher...

[gareth]

stop complaining about roberts. This was a package move but everyone knows Malone was the main target. And the compensation only kicks in if malone signs. Ryan would be fantastic on the 2nd line and Gary, tho I think he's only listed for flash, would add some vet leadership to the lockerroom. Not to mention depth.

Great moves, get their hancocks please

[dave]

Bradley's 42 goals in 1992-1993 season was great, it was also at a time when 25 other players scored 40 plus goals. Yes, scoring 30 or 40 goals back in the early 90's was pretty common. Guys like Rick Tocchet and Kevin Stevens would score around 50 goals. How many goals might Richards of scored back then with any linemates? I know Bradley didn't have MLS or Modin as linemates, but he was on our top line, getting PP time and playing during a time when 30 and 40 goals was common. So looking at the stats isn't a great indication of who might have been a better player.

Could we PLEASE stop dwelling on Brad Richards...we now have Steven who will be alot better...PLEASE!!!!!!

[ajax]

Both players are a significant upgrade....LARGE.... over the cast we have had here the last few years. Roberts at 42 is 5x the player Jason Ward is at 28. Sign them both. Maybe Koules is Spielberg in disguise?? Cause the hits just keep on getting better. I am getting mighty close to peeing my pants, over the start of the year. Please don't wake me up from this beautiful dream the last two weeks. Except Smellrose of course.
Richards or Bradley?? I will only say this gang, many posters said, do you think Brian Bradley could of played with the guys we had the last two years like Brad did?
Brian Bradley had 42 goals and 44 assists on a team that was by far dead last (29 points behind 5th place, in their division). We were an expansion team that year and Chris Kontos might have been the second best player on the team. That year the Lightning were 23-54-7 and I had season tickets and Brian Bradley did not have Vinny and Marty and Prospal manning the power play I can assure you. I think the 42 goals says it all. Is their anybody in the world that believes Brad RIchards would score 42 goals for an expansion team? pppppllllllleeeeeeeaaaaaaassssse. He couldn't score 42 goals on a line with Crosby and Ovechkin. I know I know, he is an assist man. I guess you know how I really feel.
So much euphoria, let's not dwell on 7,800,000 heartaches (times 5)

[Boltflasher]

Could it be that Malone and Roberts will be used to also lure Orpik?

[Tom M]

Will we have to pay for Roberts' AARP memebership? Malone makes a lot of sense and will help the Lightning in front of the net where that wannabe Gratton was supposed to play...but Roberts? Mullet-Head and Chain-Saw must have had brain cramps when that deal was on the table.

[marosh]

Good news,
sign Rhett Warrener Or b.Orpik,

DREAM LINESUP

smith, ramo - boyle, Warrener, ranger,picard, obrien, lukowich - MVP line - malone, steven91, r. vrbata - jokinen, halpern, oulette - artukhin,craig, mcdonald, darche, roberts, tarnasky ....

this could be the most talented team in tampas history!!!

we dont need kuba, roy, ... gratton

one more thing : steven legein is a dream, please ask for him, dakujem

[dave]

i know its off the main topic, but i have to chime in on the brad richards - bradley argument.

Brian Bradley was a good NHL player, Brad Richards is a very good NHL player. Brian Bradley is a flash light compared to a star such as Richards. I have talked to well respected NHL coaches and they laugh at all the Richards haters out there. He does so many small things well it doesn't get him enough attention. Richards is not one of the top 5 centers in the league, but is being paid as one, and that is the only true knock on him. His salary makes him overpaid, but take that away and every team in the NHL would take Brad as their 1st or 2nd line center in a heartbeat. (Besides maybe the Pens, who would love to have Brad as a top winger then)

[David]

Malone, OK.

Roberts, No Way.

He's way past his prime, and he showed distinct lack of character in the Stanley Cup Finals when he went head-hunting after a guy with a concussion. We don't need that riff-raff here. And I was a Maple Leafs fan before I moved to Tampa.

We need defensemen, not retirees.

[Boltflasher]

Malone and Roberts has Melrose written all over it. I remember Barry praising both of these guys at ESPN.

Malone is good 2-way forward who can also kill penalties....Bolts PK is instantly improved with both these guys..

Roberts is a better player than Tim Taylor and would be great for the 4th line and helping an atrocious penalty kill from a year ago as well as provide veteran leadership. Stop thinking of him in top 3 line terms. However, 2.5 mil may be a bit much for such a role unless the Bolts can squeeze 15 to 20 goals out of him...

[Hawkeye]

"the Malone offer will involve a $21 million package deal on a 5-year contract."

If so, don't expect Prospal to be a happy-camper (while making less on the 1st line).

[Tony]

Malone yes...Roberts? Are you kidding me?

[who cares about brian bradley]

cheers

[Jake]

Casper:

Are you smoking something? Brian Bradley was a good player. BUT, Brian Bradley and Brad Richards are two entirely different players. In fact, the only 2 things I would say they shared is the B in their first names and the number 19.

You dont think that Brad Richards made players around him better? I would have to say you fell off the stupid tree and hit every branch, twig, and leaf on the way down.

I watched every single game at the Barn and the Thunderdome up until the new building and every other game on TV. Richards was a dynamic player who sucked in the corners, but was and still is one of the best setup guys in the league.

Brian Bradley played at a time in lightning history where we cant really say IF or HOW he would have done if he had the type of talent that Richards had to play with. Your argument doesnt hold water anyway because your comparing players that NEVER played together or in the NHL together.

So for jeepers sakes, let go of Brian Bradley already, its almost creepy.

[Goalman]

All I can say is OH! KAY! Oren is living up to promises. Ryan Malone is perfect. He has good skills, Is young enough to help the team for a few years and ,best of all has a GIGANTIC heart. There will be no messing with S.S. with Malone on his line. I'm not sure about Gary Roberts. I know that he is a pain in the A-- to play against ,but he may be too far along in his career. On the other hand, think about Dave Andreychuk and what he brought to the team in the way of experience and maturity. Roberts may just be what the younger players need.
Furthermore, I don't think we're finished in the Free agency market. How excting is this? C'mon opening game!!!

[Dick Tracy]

Insiders report the plan that the Malone offer will involve a $21 million package deal on a 5-year contract. It will be made clear that the deal will be taken off the table, perhaps for good, when the July 1 UFA party begins.

Before this happened Malone said that he would wait until July 1, but how sincere was that? Edmonton has made no secret of their interest in Malone, and it is well known that there is very strong interest in him around the league. According to the rules, no team is allowed to talk to him or his agent until Tuesday without the permission of the Lightning.

Roberts' family is in Canada and he expressed interest in signing with a team up there, but with Cliff Fletcher running the show in Toronto (Roberts' favored location), it is not likely that he'll get what he wants. With a background of injuries and a long tooth (42 years), he is lucky to get a good offer. Given his style of play, he certainly must know that he'll fit in well on a Melrose team.

[skyjive]

It's tough to gauge this until either one signs. Malone would be a perfect addition to the second line. Add some toughness and a bit of protection for Stamkos. Jokinen doesn't seem like the dig-in-the-corner scoring type we've been missing on the 2nd line since Modin. You can't really get too excited though until he signs, as he supposedly wants to test the waters.

Roberts is also interesting but actually makes a bit of sense. He's definitely not making us younger, but there's quite a gap on the 3rd line with Halpern gone til at least Jan (if not longer). Roberts could probably fill in nicely until then, and then there's the posibility of him getting traded to Toronto (or wherever else he supposedly wants to go) or staying if the team goes anywhere. Two solid pieces coming over, but this one's tough to judge until one or both signs.

I see Roberts as more of a player/coach type. Maybe play 30-50 games. Malone would be a huge upgrade as long as it's under 3.5 mil a year. It would be hard to pay Malone more than what Prospal just received. Prospals stats are way better then Malone and he's a top line wing.

[Bryan]

Jesus christ no! I don't want that idiot Roberts here! Don't waste cap space on that has been pile of trash!

[Mike13]

Signing Malone would be a fantastic thing for this franchise. Wow, talk about building some serious depth...

Roberts on the other hand? I guess he gives us that veteran leadership that Feaster was talking about a month or two ago. Otherwise, he's pretty much a waste. He's not a top 6 forward any more. I'd rather see Jokinen, Halpern/Gratton, and Ouellet tear it up.

[Mitchie]

how exciting!

[who cares about brian bradley]

how much are those instant traffic reporters?

[Leanmean43]

These would be great pickups for the Bolts if they can get them signed. I wonder if they plan to sign another top six forward in Free agency.

[Casper]

Wow genius, you think Bradley--if surrounded by Richards' cast in '03-'04 would do any worse? No talking to you, then.

Brian Bradley made others around him play better, period. Granted, it was a sorrya$$ time for the Lightning, but one shudders thinking if Brad Richards could have worn Bradley's skates in the early to mid '90's.

Keep thinking inside that tiny box, you'll be fine....

Go Bolts!

[who cares about brian bradley]

The name says it all. What did he ever do for us, other than set a bunch of weak records for Vinny and Brad to break.

[Drew]

Yeah, Brad Richards winning the Conn Smythe and helping us win the cup was a disgrace to the legend of Brian Bradley.

[Casper]

Hey, if we eventually get Malone, give him #19 so Brian Bradley and I can get some self respect back.