Malone was placed on waivers on Sunday with the intention of sending him to the AHL. Now that he has cleared, he can be sent down at any time, but with Mats Zuccarello listed as a game-time decision, there is a good chance Malone will stay with the team for tonight's game.
Malone will start his Rangers career on the fourth line with Dominic Moore and Tanner Glass, but he will also play on the Rangers' top power-play unit. Malone had his trouble with the law last season due to cocaine possession but he is a six-time 20-goal scorer and could help the Rangers power-play. He had just 15 points (5G / 10A) in 57 games with the Lightning last year.
Malone, 34, spent the last six seasons with the Lightning, but saw his run with Tampa Bay come to an end after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence and cocaine possession last April. Malone had five goals and 10 assists (15 points) in 57 games with the Lightning last season.
"We are aware of the situation concerning Ryan Malone this morning," general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. "Ryan will not travel with the team to Washington today, but beyond that we cannot comment further at this time." According to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's report, Malone, 34, was arrested at 5:40 Saturday morning, but there were no other immediate details. Malone was being held on $2,500 bond. It has been a difficult season for Malone, who has just five goals, 15 points in 57 games, has been demoted to a fourth line and has been a healthy scratch in the past three games.
Malone will miss his fourth straight game tonight and will likely be out until January.
There is not many details on Malone's injury, but he suffered it in Friday's loss against Anaheim. His injury allows AHL scoring sensation Nikita Kucherov to make his NHL debut, skating on a line with Alex Killorn and Teddy Purcell.
After scoring 20 goals last season, Malone has just five goals in 23 games this season.
Doesn't sound like Malone will be in the lineup tonight when Tampa Bay takes on the Maple Leafs.
If Malone does play, it'll be his first game since March 18. Malone has 7 points in 16 games this season.
If Malone does play, it'll be his first game since March 18. Malone has 7 points in 16 games this season.
Pierre-Cedric Labrie will enter the Lightning lineup in place of Malone.
Consider Malone also day-to-day until we hear further from Guy Boucher.
Malone hasn't played since February 7th, and will enter the lineup in place of Adam Hall. Malone has four goals and one assist in 10 games this season.
Malone's injury is still unknown at this point but regardless he will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks. This is unfortunate for Malone and the Lightning who were off to a good start to the season but 3-4 weeks is a substantial amount of time in a shortened season. Richard Panik was recalled from the AHL to fill in while Malone is out.
Malone hasn't been doing much offensively this season with only 4 goals and 1 assist in 10 games so far so he is very droppable. Malone was injured in the pregame soccer shootaround.
Malone is a consistent 40-50 point producer every season. Playing with Stamkos and St. Louis will generate chances for him on a nightly basis. Malone could be a solid late pick or waiver pickup.
Malone is once again reunited with Stamkos. The power forward has 10 goals and 30 points in 46 games.
Malone is in tonight so set your lineup accordingly. He has 10 goals and 27 points through 41 games this season, playing mostly on the top line.
Malone could draw back in tonight. He has 10 goals and 27 points through 41 games this season, playing mostly on the top line.
Sounds like Malone is a no-go for tonight. He has 10 goals and 27 points through 41 games this season, playing mostly on the top line.