Report: Ryan Malone lands tryout with Wild, hopes to play in Olympics

Ryan Malone is attempting a comeback, with a bit of a twist.

The veteran forward, who has been out of the NHL for the past two seasons - and hasn't laced up the skates in any other league - agreed to a pro tryout with the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.

According to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune, the tryout is the first step in Malone hoping to make the cut for Team USA in the upcoming Olympics.

While NHL players and those on two-way contracts are prohibited from playing in Pyeongchang, those on AHL-only deals are eligible.

That means Malone, a Pittsburgh native, could sign a minor-league deal with the AHL's Iowa Wild and still qualify for Olympic participation. Malone has already discussed that possibility with USA Hockey, according to Russo.

Malone was part of Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, grabbing the silver medal after Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal for Team Canada. Malone finished the tournament with five points in six games.

The 37-year-old began his NHL career with Pittsburgh in 2003, spending four seasons with the Penguins prior to a trade to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After six seasons in Tampa Bay, the Lightning bought out the final year of Malone's contract in June 2014, two months after he was charged with possession of cocaine and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Malone played six games with the New York Rangers the following year before he was later sent to the minors, effectively marking the end of his playing days.

However, it now appears his career could have at least one more chapter.