Malone, Recchi, Sydor, Canucks, and Niedermayer

Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette doesn’t believe that forward Ryan Malone is not an “untouchable” and could be moved if the right deal came along.

However, it’s unlikely that the Penguins are actively shopping Malone due to his consistent play this season and his role as a power-forward.

---

Still with the Penguins, Molinari reports that a Canadian radio station has hinted at the fact that forward Mark Recchi was given the green light to explore trade possibilities on his own by management.

However, neither side would confirm the report.

---

Sticking with the Penguins, defenseman Darryl Sydor tells Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News that he’d like to remain with the club despite being benched for five consecutive games and word that management may be shopping him.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” he said. “You can go either way and react the wrong way or the right way, and I tried to react the right way. I’ve tried to work hard and take my frustrations out on the treadmill and wait and be ready.”

“They know I’m not happy,” he said. “They got me here for a reason, and I’d like to help them. But that’s not working out right now, and I don’t think they can have my contract and a healthy scratch.”

---

Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated suggests that Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis should move “a piece of the future” like defenseman Luc Bourdon to add some offer firepower up front.

---

The Score is reporting on their Website that Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer “could return to the club before Christmas.”