The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to UFA's Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts to Tamps Bay, for a fourth round pick, that could become a third round pick if Malone signs. It had been inevitable that neither player would be wearing Penguins black and gold next year.

As sad as I am to see them go, it's a great deal for both sides. Tampa Bay gets an early jump on signing both players before the July first opening of the free agent market. Pittsburgh, who is struggling to keep their players in the fold, gets something for essentially nothing, as both players were goners next year anyway.

Now G.M. Ray Shero must work on either keeping Marian Hossa and Brooks Orpik, or finding their replacements in the FA market.