Lightning use final compliance buyout on Ryan Malone
Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in the process of buying out forward Ryan Malone according to the Tampa Bay Times. The team has since confirmed the buyout.
#TBLightning has initiated the compliance buyout process for veteran Ryan Malone, the Times has learned. Will save a $4.5 million cap hit.
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 25, 2014
Malone's productivity dropped off significantly through the last two seasons and he was arrested on DUI and cocaine possession charges in April.