PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the short-term negotiating rights to Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts on Saturday for a conditional draft pick.
The deal allows the Lightning to talk exclusively to Malone and Roberts until the NHL free agency signing period begins Tuesday.
The Penguins didn't feel they could afford to re-sign either Malone, a Pittsburgh native who had 27 goals and 24 assists last season, or the 42-year-old Roberts, who made $2.5 million last season. Malone is believed to be seeking about $5 million per season.