Sat Jun 28 14:23:15 2008

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Lightning acquire rights to Malone, Roberts

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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the rights to forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

The Penguins will receive a conditional pick - either a third or fourth round selection in 2009 - depending on if the Lightning are 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. "This trade today doesn't guarantee anything, but we believe it gives us a leg up in our attempt to sign these two impact players."

Malone, a 27-year-old Pittsburgh native, recorded 27 goals and 51 points in 77 games for the Penguins last season. He also tallied six goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games in a career-year for the left winger.

In 299 career games, Malone has 87 goals and 169 points, all with the Penguins.

Roberts, 42, played in 38 games for Pittsburgh last year and scored three goals and 15 points. The 20-year veteran has appeared in 1,194 career games with Calgary, Carolina, Toronto, Florida, and most recently the Penguins. For his career, Roberts has 434 goals and 903 points in 1,194 games.

The NHL free agency period begins on July 1.