Wild releases former 20-goal scorer

The Minnesota Wild announced today that Ryan Malone, who was on a professional tryout, was cut from camp.

The 11 year NHL veteran is a far cry of his former self, when he was regularly putting up over 20 goals per season. In interview with Dane Mizutani of Pioneer Press, Malone said “You look at the end when I fizzled out. I kind of lost that fire. That’s the reason I wasn’t playing anymore.”

Malone, knowing that NHL players could not participate in this year’s Winter Olympics, saw an opportunity, and is seizing it.

Wild GM Chuck Fletcher gave him the opportunity to get some games in with Minnesota, and now he’ll test his luck with their AHL affiliated team in Iowa. As an AHL player, Malone would be eligible to play for Team USA if they give him the call.

Defensive prospect Carson Soucy has also been sent to Iowa.

The Wild now have 24 players in camp, one more than the roster limit of 23. Their lineup is nearly ready.