The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly “kicking the tires” in regards to Ryan Malone. The Pittsburgh Tribune mentions that the Penguins have expressed interest in Malone and that Malone’s agent describes the club as a natural fit.
This report is an interesting one as Malone carries quite a bit of baggage. He was arrested in April and charged with driving under the influence and cocaine possession. Malone since pleaded no contest to the DUI charge and was able to meet the court’s terms to have the cocaine charge removed.
Would the Penguins be able to overlook Malone’s off-ice issues? According to Malone’s agent Mike Liut, they would:
“There’s a natural attraction there. He grew up there. He played there. They lost in the (Stanley Cup) Final when he was there. There’s that association. But management (now) is completely different. I have talked to Pittsburgh about him throughout the summer. They’re kicking tires. They’ve expressed some interest, but it’s just that. Which is fine.”
The Penguins aren’t the only team Liut and Malone are speaking with. The report also mentions the New York Rangers.
Though the Penguins sound like they might be a fit, you have to imagine the team will want to cap the number of “project” players they have on the roster at one time. Considering the recent addition of Steve Downie and the camp invitation to Daniel Carcillo, Malone would make for a big group of misfits, so to speak. Still, it’s nice to have options in camp and Malone may bring something to the Penguins on the ice that other options can not.
Sooner or later Malone will land on a team. He may not have too much to add on the ice at the age of 34, but his contributions should be just enough overlook his outside issues.
