Left winger Ryan Malone had a career year last year playing along side Evgeni Malkin.  So he did what any free agent might be tempted to do afterwards – he took the money and ran.

Ryan Malone amassed 27 goals & 24 assists (51 points) playing with elite talent and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who the previous year rushed to sign also former Malkin line mate Michelle Ouellet, rushed to sign him.

Ouellet proved to be a bust.  After scoring 48 points (19 G, 29 A) playing with Malkin he flopped in Tampa Bay managing only 17 goals and 19 assists (36 points) with the Lightning.  Although he was an amazing +11 on 07-08, he is no longer with the Lightning.  He is now in Vancouver, although doesn’t appear to have played yet.

So the Lightning jumped on Malone who, so far, has proven to be yet another flop for the Lightning who are last in the South East Division at 1 – 2 – 3 thus far in 2008-09.  Malone has scored just 1 point in six games; a goal against the even more pathetic New York Islanders (2-4-0).

He is on pace for just 14 goals this season.  Hope the money was worth it Ryan.  Because by the looks of things your season is going to be ending a lot earlier this year than last year.