Lightning acquire rights to Malone, Roberts

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the rights to left wings Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from Pittsburgh on Saturday, in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2009.

The Lightening will be allowed to talk exclusively to the two players until the free agency signing period begins on Tuesday.

"We said earlier this week we would be aggressive in our pursuit of free agents in order to win or compete," Tampa Bay owner Oren Koules told reporters.

"We believe this gives us a leg up in our attempt to sign these two impact players."

Malone played in 77 games for the Penguins last season and recorded 27 goals and 51 points. Roberts played in just 38 games last season.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Martin Petty)