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Only hours before Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announced the team’s plan to buy out Vincent Lecavalier, CBC’s Elliotte Friedman released a report indicating that the team is attempting to deal veteran forward Ryan Malone.
In his respected ’
30 Thoughts’ column, Friedman discussed Malone’s situation with the Lightning and what the team is trying to accomplish.
I'm hearing Yzerman is trying to trade Ryan Malone. Tampa Bay would prefer to avoid a buyout payout and the Lightning are offering a draft pick as an enticement. Malone has a no-move clause in his contract until July 1, which gives him some control of the situation. It is a limited no-trade after then.
Anyone who follows the National Hockey League’s rumor scene knows and understands that Friedman is one of the best in the business. His reports are genuine and quite often right on the mark. So, with that all in mind, there’s a very good chance that all the speculation surrounding Malone comes to fruition.
Since joining the Lightning during the 2008-09 season, Malone has tallied 186 points in 285 games. Given his production clip and all the leadership intangibles that he brings to the rink on a daily basis, his $4.5MM cap hit is far from unreasonable. The ‘issue’ for the Lightning, as they look to create cap space heading into the summer, is that so many of the Syracuse prospects are ready for full-time NHL duty. As much as everyone loves Malone, the team can probably bring in a more durable body for fewer dollars. It’s just business.
As mentioned, Malone’s contract carries a cap hit of $4.5MM; the contract is valid for another two seasons. It should be noted, however, that the actual salary on the deal is only $2.5MM per year. For a team looking to reach the cap floor, adding Bugsy could be a very smart move. When healthy, he is an incredibly effective presence out on the ice.
All in all, it will be most interesting to see whether or not Steve Yzerman pulls the trigger on a Ryan Malone deal. With all indications pointing to the fact that a buyout is not an option, it looks like the trade market will ultimately dictate Malone’s fate. Whatever happens, this blogger wishes Bugsy nothing but the best. He’s been and will continue to be a class act, a fan favorite, and a good player. If he's wearing Lightning blue next season, I know that Bolts fans will be there to cheer him on.
With the draft less than two days away, things are certainly heating up in Bolts Nation. I’ll be back tomorrow evening with a final pre-draft blog.
As always, thanks for reading.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
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