Veteran forward Malone skates with Rangers

Ryan Malone participated in informal skates with the New York Rangers on Monday.

Malone has been a free agent since the Tampa Bay Lightning used their second compliance buyout on the forward on June 25. At the time Malone had one year and $2.5 million remaining on the seven-year, $31.5 million contract he signed with the Lightning in 2008.

"Obviously I'm looking to prove myself," Malone told NorthJersey.com. "Obviously last year was not the way I wanted it to go, especially at the end. So I'm looking for an opportunity to show what type of person I am on and off the ice.

"We've been in contact with a few teams but I think here it's a great opportunity. Obviously a great team, great young talent. Where they went [the 2014 Stanley Cup Final] is something I'd obviously love to be a part of if the opportunity presents itself. I want to come out here and show my face and see where it goes.

Malone, 34, struggled last season in Tampa Bay with five goals and 15 points in 57 games. A fourth-round pick (No. 115) of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1999 NHL Draft, he is a six-time 20-goal scorer, and set career highs in his final season in Pittsburgh with 27 goals, 51 points, a plus-14 rating and 103 penalty minutes.

Malone was charged with driving under the influence and possession of cocaine April 12.

"Obviously I made a mistake and I obviously have to admit that and thankfully, luckily no one got hurt," Malone said. "It changed my life for the better, my family's life and I guess while we're on that subject I'd like to publicly apologize to Mr. Vinik (Lightning owner Jeffrey Vinik) and the Tampa organization. They're a first-class organization. They've done so much for the community, I wish them the best. The fans there were great and I want to say thanks to the fans for the continued support."

In 641 NHL games, Malone has 179 goals, 370 points and 689 penalty minutes.