Veteran winger Brad Malone is in his 13th professional season and it will be his last. AHL Bakersfield announced that this will be his final year and that the Oilers farmhand will be retiring at the conclusion of the upcoming postseason.
The 34-year-old was originally drafted by Colorado, going 105th overall back in 2007 but didn’t turn pro until the 2011-12 campaign. Malone spent parts of three seasons with the Avs before signing on for two years in Carolina, followed by one with Washington.
In 2017, Malone joined Edmonton in free agency and has stuck with that organization ever since; he’s on his fourth contract with the team. He has spent most of his time with the Condors during that time but did get into 41 games with the Oilers, ten of which came last season. This year, the veteran has 17 points through 48 contests in the minors with two games left on their regular season schedule.
All told, Malone will wrap up his career with 217 appearances at the top level where he had 32 points. He also has suited up in 551 AHL contests so far, tallying 290 points, a quality career for a player selected in the middle of the draft. Now, he’ll look to go out on a high note with a strong postseason run with the Condors having already sewn up a spot in the Pacific Division.
He was my first, and only, live Gordie Howe hat trick. Nothing like your first. I wasn’t sure what to do. I was all nervous. Then it was over before I knew it…