Hailing from Chatham, New Brunswick, Malone began his hockey journey at a young age and left home at 15 to play at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts. He played in the USHL for the Sioux Falls Stampede, where he caught the attention of scouts and was drafted 105th overall by the Avalanche in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Malone played four seasons at the University of North Dakota, amassing 85 points, before signing with the Avalanche in 2011. His NHL debut came in December 2011, and he quickly became renowned for his physical play. Malone signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2014, where he set career highs in both goals and points in the following season. He later signed with the Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers, where he enjoyed a resurgence in his later years.