Dennis Bernstein speculates on his TFP newsletter that the Kings and Lightning are talking about a Ryan Malone for Jonathan Bernier swap.
But is it worth it?
A Lightning executive confirmed to me earlier in the year that Dean Lombardi had turned down the Lightning not once, but TWICE in recent years acquiring Malone for just a 2nd round pick.
Now he’s considering Malone for the former early 1st round selection?
Next is the 3 years and 4.5 million cap remaining on his deal which Lombardi is also heavily against in trades past save for an impact player like Mike Richards. Why all of a sudden would he have a change of heart, especially when considering Clark MacArthur and his one year left at a million less is available and wouldn’t cost the Kings Bernier?
Third is Malone’s apparent unwillingness to move West. So why would the Kings want a player who doesn’t like the travel grind of a Pacific conference team?
Malone is oft injured, having missed 48 games the past 3 seasons before a relatively healthy one this season, but is basically good for one goal for every 4 games played. Wait, come to think of it, oft injured, he fits right in.
On the plus side, he’s 6’4” 215 and unlike “Pancakes” uses his size.
The gamble here is that Malone’s salary and length would make it difficult for the Kings to sign Zach Parise in the off season who will undoubtedly command a minimum of 7.5-8 million a season. With Stoll, Penner, Parse and Mitchell’s combined 12 million coming off the books, it’s still possible to retain both Malone and sign Parise, but the Kings would have to move another high salary AND replace Mitchell’s veteran presence and leadership.
Factor in a contract extension for Quick can’t be negotiated until July 1st and if Quick is looking for Pekka Rinne type money, how does Lombardi keep everyone together going forward? What happens if Quick is hurt? The playoff bubble Kings would be looking at Zatkoff and Jones, two unproven netminders who have struggled mightily in the Monarchs recent slide.
The acquisition of Ryan Malone makes little to no sense.
Niittymaki?
He’s on waivers. He’ll be claimed. Do the Kings grab him as insurance in case a) they deal Bernier and don’t have to rely on unproven Jones or Zatkoff? b) a chip in case Quick doesn’t extend July 1st? (Niity is a UFA as well, but could easily be extended by a year.
The Kings would have to make room to fit him under the cap. Hunter waived? More likely Drewiske
Awww, Manchester Has a Fall Guy
They’ve sucked recently until a 5-1 victory tonight (Kozun had 2) and Cam Paddock got the ax after 2 goals, 3 assists in 39 games but a glaring -10. I predicted he would be the next call-up. Guess I’m wrong… again.
DL needs to sack up and get what we have been needing for years now. A sniper. He’s avoided it for far too long and I think it has finally become quite obvious (with our anemic offense) to him that we won’t get much further without A LEGITIMATE sniper on the first line.
What has Malone done to increase his value from a 2nd to Bernier?
Additionally, why didnt any other Western Team jump at the chance to get Malone for a 2nd? I cant imagine he said he would only go to one Western Conference team and that is the Kings…….no one has ever said that.
Please no more talk of Ryan Malone, it;s making me sick
If Lombardi has passed on Malone twice for only a 2nd round pick and would trade Bernier for him, he should be fired for even thinking it. Instead why not try to get Kane out of Chicago, I’ve read he’s playing his way out of there, if not then go after the only one who makes sense if you’re going to trade Bernier, Parise.
Matt, what are you’re thoughts on trading for Carter?
The price of Kane and parise is going to be too much. We would eventually end up in a position like NJ and could possibly lose JQ. We need a gritty front net presence guy an a couple 20+ goal wingers. We lost a lot with smyth and Zeus and their past roles without even really seeing how it would tremendously impact our current team and the style they play
I’m still wanting us to trade for Carter.
The word “never” (like most definitive words) is discouraged in my house but a trade for Carter comes close to merit it.
I’m just wondering if maybe his chip on his shoulder attitude would be just what we need? I don’t know as much inside stuff as you. Maybe you could explain the reason? Thanks
He didnt work out in 2004, he wont work out now.
I had a great Malone this morning. The type of Malone that start the day right. The kind where you give yourself 5 minutes and play a few turns of Words With Friends while you sit. The wife made spaghetti and shrimp for dinner. I may have another Malone in a few minutes…after dessert.
I would say no. When he’s healthy he’s put up decent numbers but doing it w/ St Louis, Lecavalier, and Stamkos. Expect his mediocre numbers to drop dramatically in the Kings system. Not worth our biggest trading chip IMO…
I wouldn’t want Malone for more then Stoll and Davis.
Key word here is “speculate”, not speculum…as in rape by speculum.
The only plus side here is that he’s not currently with the Kings, and I hope it stays that way.
Malone is not the answer at all!! A pure goal scorer is what’s needed if Bernier is involved in any trade !!! Move along, nothing to see here!
completely agree! This trade in my mind is laughable. Ryan Malone is way overrated! Save Bernier for a better package to acquire a better player. Ryan Malone is not the answer. I see him as a third line player at best.