Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero announced today that the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to pending unrestricted free agent forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Dallas’ fourth round pick, previously obtained by Tampa Bay, in the 2009 Entry Draft. In the event Tampa Bay signs Malone to a contract for the 2008-09 season, the pick will become Tampa Bay’s third round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft.
Both Malone and Roberts are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2008.
PSI has been informed that Tampa Bay made this trade because they feel they have a real chance to sign Malone prior to free agency on Tuesday. They will begin negotiations with Malone's camp right now.
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