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Rangers give Malone a chance, sign veteran forward to two-way deal

Ryan Malone

This Feb. 4, 2014 photo, Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ryan Malone (12) stretches before an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul, Minn. Malone was charged Saturday with DUI and possession of cocaine after a traffic stop, police said. An officer saw Malone’s SUV strike a curb after making a left turn from the center lane early Saturday, said Tampa Police Lt. Paul Lusczynski. After being pulled over, Malone got out of his vehicle, and the officer smelled alcohol on his breath, Lusczynski said. According to the police report, the officer also found 1.3 grams of cocaine in one of Malone’s pockets. Malone was released from the Hillsborough County jail on $2,500 bond. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

AP

The New York Rangers have signed veteran forward Ryan Malone. It’s reportedly a two-way deal for one year and $700,000.

Malone has been skating informally with the Rangers, so the signing is no surprise. The 34-year-old recently apologized to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the circumstances (arrested and charged with DUI, cocaine possession) that contributed to being bought out by the Florida club.

Only time will tell if Malone is still capable of contributing to an NHL team. He hasn’t been an impact player since 2011-12, when he scored 20 goals with 28 assists for the Lightning.

Some analysis from the New York Post:

The Rangers don’t appear to have a top-six spot open for Malone with the spots on the wing belonging to Rick Nash, Marty St. Louis, Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello. Carl Hagelin owns the third-line left wing position, meaning Malone would compete against J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, Kevin Hayes and a myriad of young potential gate-crashers for the spot across from Hagelin.

Related: Malone pleads no contest to DUI; cocaine possession charge could be dismissed