Ryan Malone’s first choice is to sign with Rangers

Since a meeting with Rangers GM Glen Sather in early August that was setup by pro scout Rick Kehoe, former Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone has felt wanted by the New York Rangers.

Close relationships to multiple Rangers players also hasn’t hurt in Malone leaning towards joining the New York Rangers on a two-way contract, though, a return to Pittsburgh isn’t being completely ruled out yet.

As the New York Post reported today, Malone will join Rangers players for informal workouts Monday, though, the Malone camp insists no agreement has been reached with the Rangers yet and signing with another team hasn’t been ruled out.

That other team would be the Penguins as Pittsburgh, New York are the only two teams weighing the possibility of signing Malone.

Penguins officials informed Malone’s agent Mike Luit on Wednesday that they would make a decision this week on whether to tender an offer to Malone. Luit anticipates speaking with the Penguins in the next couple days to check in.

Those in Malone’s inner circle say Malone has been interested in joining the Rangers, Penguins or Minnesota Wild, but Minnesota has decided to pass.

Malone has not been invited by Penguins players to join them for informal workouts nor has he met with team officials to this point.