Lightning lock up Roberts and Malone

The Lightning acquired the right to both Malone and Gary Roberts from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Roberts is close to signing a one-year deal with Tampa Bay that has the potential to reach $2 million.

An announcement could come as early as Monday.

The Lightning have signed hockey scout Greg Malone from the Phoenix Coyotes. Greg is the father of Ryan Malone. Also joining the team is former agent Tom Kurvers, who now takes a front office job along side Brian Lawton.

Should the Lightning sign Malone, Pittsburgh will receive Tampa Bay?s third-round pick in 2009 or they will receive Dallas? fourth-round pick in 2009, previously acquired by the Lightning, if Tampa Bay is not able to sign Malone.

“We said earlier this week we would be aggressive in our pursuit of free agents in order to win and compete,” Lightning owner Oren Koules said saturday.

Malone played in 77 games with the Penguins last season and recorded 27 goals with 51 points. He also appeared in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games in 2008 and tied for eighth in league scoring with six goals and 16 points also ranking fourth among Penguin forwards in average ice time with 19:04.

The 27-year-old has played in 299 career NHL games, all with the Penguins, and amassed 87 goals and 169 points.

Roberts, a 20-year NHL veteran and former Stanley Cup champion, played in 38 games with Pittsburgh last season. The three-time NHL All-Star recorded three goals and 15 points with 40 penalty minutes.

With files from CP

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