Michael Stuart: Report: Lightning Looking to Deal Ryan Malone

What would you guys be looking for in return?

What would you guys be looking for in return?
- BetterCallSaul

If I knew, I'd tell you. Given that Friedman says the team is looking to package a draft pick as incentive, I'd have to imagine that the price is low. The appetite for a 33 year old, oft-injured winger isn't very high with free agency and the draft just around the corner. Some young team that needs a big leadership presence would be smart to take a flyer on him though. One of my favorite Lightning players.

Luongo and Schroeder for Malone a draft pick and either bishop or lindback

If I knew, I'd tell you. Given that Friedman says the team is looking to package a draft pick as incentive, I'd have to imagine that the price is low. The appetite for a 33 year old, oft-injured winger isn't very high with free agency and the draft just around the corner. Some young team that needs a big leadership presence would be smart to take a flyer on him though. One of my favorite Lightning players.
- Michael_Stuart

He still has an NTC right?

He still has an NTC right?
- BetterCallSaul

It's a NMC and then it shifts to a Modified No-Trade on July 1st per Friedman.

Luongo and Schroeder for Malone a draft pick and either bishop or lindback
- shutout47

Very intriguing. Which draft pick were you wanting?

Malone for Horcoff. Make it happen.

Malone for Horcoff. Make it happen.
- Maxbone

If the Bolts didn't already have a few options for 3C, I'd be good with it.

Hemsky for Malone? Change of scenery for both.

I understand Hemsky has injury troubles last couple years, mainly his shoulders, but those are fixed. The reason he is injured is because he goes to the dirty areas and is fearless... sometimes dumb haha, but fearless. Great playmaker, excellent speed. He is a risk though. Few years younger than Malone too.

I'd also like Hemsky for Benoit Pouliot.

Malone for Liles. DEAL!!!

Malone for Horcoff. Make it happen.
- Maxbone

HORCOF SUCKS

HORCOF SUCKS
- Smurfs-A-Joke

His contract isn't great, but on a good team I still see him as a 3C. Unfortunately we have plenty.

Malone for Liles. DEAL!!!
- Smurfs-A-Joke

I'd see what becomes available on the FA market before making that deal.

His contract isn't great, but on a good team I still see him as a 3C. Unfortunately we have plenty.
- Michael_Stuart

Horcoff is a good 3C, and like you said not worth his contract. Luckily in the new CBA we can retain half the cap hit.

Hemsky for Malone? Change of scenery for both.

I understand Hemsky has injury troubles last couple years, mainly his shoulders, but those are fixed. The reason he is injured is because he goes to the dirty areas and is fearless... sometimes dumb haha, but fearless. Great playmaker, excellent speed. He is a risk though. Few years younger than Malone too.

I'd also like Hemsky for Benoit Pouliot.
- ystoil

If Hemsky could stay healthy, I think he would be a great addition to the Lightning's top six. His hands are ridiculously underrated on a league-wide scale. Few people I speak to about him truly appreciate how talented he is.

The issue with the proposal is that the Bolts have enough wingers ready to replace Malone for less money. As much as I like Hemsky, I'd sooner give the spot to a Connolly, Palat, Panik, or whoever else.

Very intriguing. Which draft pick were you wanting?
- Michael_Stuart

2nd round not the 1st

2nd round not the 1st
- shutout47

Wouldn't make that deal.

What would it take to have it be a 1st and Malone? We kinda don't have one next year

What would it take to have it be a 1st and Malone? We kinda don't have one next year
- bobert836

Trade the Leafs 9 for 21 and next years 1st...

What would it take to have it be a 1st and Malone? We kinda don't have one next year
- bobert836

I think that depends on what Yzerman's plan for next year is. If he's content moving into next season with a VERY young roster, there'll be growing pains. As such, I'd expect him to hold on to the first. If he's looking to compete, and is willing to spend money this summer to get there, he might be more willing to part with it. Still, can't see him dealing it.

$4.5 is unreasonable when you can't stay on the ice. Not sure why a GM would want to trade for him at that cap hit.

$4.5 is unreasonable when you can't stay on the ice. Not sure why a GM would want to trade for him at that cap hit.
- acdc1206

Well you'd have to bank on him bucking the injury trend if you're a contender. Like I said in the blog, if I'm running a young team or a cap floor team I wouldn't have any problem looking at Malone.

Well you'd have to bank on him bucking the injury trend if you're a contender. Like I said in the blog, if I'm running a young team or a cap floor team I wouldn't have any problem looking at Malone.
- Michael_Stuart

There is always the possibility of Tampa eating some of the salary with Lecavalier out of the picture.

I like the guy but, TOUGH SELL