NHL.com:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired the rights to left wings Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2009, owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie announced. Should the Lightning sign Malone, Pittsburgh will receive Tampa Bay’s third-round pick in 2009 or they will receive Dallas’ fourth-round pick in 2009, previously acquired by the Lightning, if Tampa Bay is not able to sign Malone.

“We said earlier this week we would be aggressive in our pursuit of free agents in order to win and compete,” Koules said. “This trade today doesn’t guarantee anything, but we believe it gives us a leg up in our attempt to sign these two impact players.”

TSN (LIGHTNING STRIKES): Full Story.

Habster:

With three days to go before the UFA July 1st deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning have made a bold and aggressive move by acquiring the rights to Malone and Roberts.

It’s a high reward, low risk/cost situation which will only cost the Lightning either a 3rd or 4th round pick in 2009.

At this point, it’s any one’s guess whether Malone will sign with Tampa thus potentially turning his back on a once in a lifetime UFA opportunity. Malone could also be very intrigue with the idea of playing along side Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos.

Gary Roberts will probably treat this situation in a different manner than Malone as he will see this as a fresh start. There is also the flip side of the situation whereupon Roberts might want to sign with a team that has a greater chance to win the Stanley Cup. He is 42 years old and there won’t be many more opportunities to raise Lord Stanley’s cup over his head.

Give credit to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and the new ownership for thinking outside the box to better the roster.