Confirmed with Link: Ryan Malone Signed to PTO Contract

[TaLoN]

From Puck Daddy

Ryan Malone gets tryout with Wild, apparently not retired

It was reported in May 2016 that Malone “quietly filed his retirement papers” to end his 11-year NHL career, and appeared to indicate to the Tribune Review that life had gone on. “I’m lucky enough that I got paid a little bit of money. I’m thankful for everyone who helped me along the road. Now’s my time to start to giving back. I’m looking forward to the next chapter, to help some other kids to enjoy this game and help them be respectful people,” he said.

In 2017, he got back on the ice. He played in a Penguins vs. Flyers alumni game in January. Earlier this month, Malone was a coach in Minnesota’s “Da Beauty League,” where NHL players compete in 4-on-4 no-hit games to stay loose.

Maybe he felt the itch. Maybe this has been in his mind for a bit. Whatever the case, Ryan Malone is headed to an NHL camp next month on a professional tryout contract, as the Minnesota Wild announced that the 37-year-old winger will attend their training camp.

Yeah, we didn’t see that coming either.

Who knows? Maybe the feel like he can show Jason Zucker a thing or two. Maybe they wanted someone in camp that could talk about the 1980s with Matt Cullen. Most likely, GM Chuck Fletcher is doing a solid for an old friend from his Penguins days. Michael Russo makes the point that an AHL-only contract for Malone would actually make him Olympic eligible.

What a chance for Ryan Malone. Here’s hoping he doesn’t blow it.

Click to read more...

 

[BagHead]

I hope he's still good enough to play AHL hockey. If he is, he's probably good enough for the Olympic squad, and if he can improve that team, I'll be stoked. I care more about that team than I do the Iowa Wild.

 

[gphr513]

 

[Al Lagoon]

Dat beauty league....

 

[Marlowe Syn]

He looked pretty done a couple of years ago. Just can't see him being much of a factor anymore at any level. I hope even without NHL players to choose from, USA would be able to ice at least a dozen forwards better than Malone.

 

[Al Lagoon]

He looked pretty done a couple of years ago. Just can't see him being much of a factor anymore at any level. I hope even without NHL players to choose from, USA would be able to ice at least a dozen forwards better than Malone.

I'd be disappointed if Kunin couldn't beat him out.

 

[TaLoN]

I'd be disappointed if Kunin couldn't beat him out.

Kunin has an NHL contract and thus is ineligible.

 

[Marlowe Syn]

Kunin has an NHL contract and thus is ineligible.

Greenway could though.

 

[BigT2002]

He looked pretty done a couple of years ago. Just can't see him being much of a factor anymore at any level. I hope even without NHL players to choose from, USA would be able to ice at least a dozen forwards better than Malone.

Have to agree. Honestly what does he plan on bringing to the table that the younger kids can't do themselves?

 

[Randy BoBandy]

He can't skate anymore. No chance he sticks with the big boys.

 

[LightningStrikes]

So how's he looked?

 

[gphr513]

So how's he looked?

Actually, by all indications, he hasn't looked out of place. He passed the skate test in camp, and scored the lone shootout goal to win the game. I don't know if he'll make the big club roster, but he's making his presence felt, it would seem.

 

[Dee Oh Cee]

Seems impossible that he would make the Wild, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if they give him an AHL contract offer.

 

[gphr513]

Seems impossible that he would make the Wild, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if they give him an AHL contract offer.

From Russo's article, it seems like that's what he's after. An AHL contract, which would make him eligible for the Olympics.

 

[BigT2002]

From Russo's article, it seems like that's what he's after. An AHL contract, which would make him eligible for the Olympics.

Yup I think he just wants something to keep him conditioned. Can't hurt the baby Wild at all either.

 

[57special]

He looked pretty good, to me.