Columbus Blue Jackets: Don't Overpay for Ryan Malone!

From a Pens blogger:

"According to a source, an announcement could be made tonight that the Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired the rights to Ryan Malone. Minnesota is making a late push and has offered their second-round pick and Veilleux, but apparently Columbus might be willing to offer their first-round pick (19th overall) to strike a deal."

Okay, first off, this better not be true.

Secondly, if there is an ounce of truth to it, you're telling me that Howson wants Malone so badly that he's willing to move the 19th overall for rights for a winger who has scored no more than 51 points over his four-year NHL career?

Remember, the Flyers used the 23rd overall last year to land Kimo Timonen and Scott Hartnell, who are both just as good as Malone.

Yes, I realize the market for negotiating rights has changed since then, but that much?

On top of that, it's reported that the Jackets are willing to shell out $4.5 million to $5.5 million for this guy.

Overpaying is one thing, but to include the 19th would be a horrible deal for the Jackets.

What happens then to address our center and defenseman needs? We just parted with a valuable asset that could have been used to acquire a player that fills a much bigger hole on our roster.

If this move went down, you'd have to think they would play Malone at center, because Hitch and Howson know this better than we do. As a fan, I was just shooting a little higher than a guy who has played his most effective hockey as a wing the past two years.

The Jackets can certainly use Malone....no doubt about that...but they are going to need a whole lot more....and if Howson is parting with the 19th to sign one soon to be UFA, then I'm really at a loss as to what he's prepared to do to fill the other glaring holes on this roster.

I'm sure he's got a plan...right?

Of course before I get way ahead of myself here, let's see if what this blogger says comes to pass. I have yet to see any kind of official announcement, and I would think the Dispatch would be the first to break this deal if it goes down.

Stay tuned.

Update: Looks like we can put any worries about Howson moving the 19th for rights to Malone to bed.

From the Pitt Tribune-Review:

"We will not talk to anyone until July 1," said Malone, who will become an unrestricted free agent on that date.

Update: From Puck-rakers:

Ryan Malone has told The Dispatch tonight that he plans to test the free agent market on July 1, and he's not going to negotiate with any club before free agency.

Here's his explanation: "I don't want any team I go to to give up a possible teammate. So we will wait until the first."

I asked Malone point-blank if he would consider the Blue Jackets on July 1: "Yes. Yes, I would. I am considering other teams as well."

Portzline also speculates that Malone sounds pretty peeved at the Pens and doesn't want to help them out.

His answers strike me more as just good public relations.

I don't blame Malone. If I were in his position I would also want to hear the offers from every team that is interested in me.

If Howson wants this guy, I would recommend making some moves at the draft for some signed players, thus making this team more attractive to UFAs.

Then Howson can revisit overpaying for Malone on July 1. Malone certainly knows the Jackets are interested.

If it doesn't work out, then we should move on to some other wingers. They may not be as perfect a fit as Malone, but that position has the most depth of this UFA class and there are some other talented guys projected to be available.

-LTL