A league source told The Record that Brian Rolston has decided to return to New Jersey and sign with the Devils. The contract is believed to be four years at $5 million per season.
Rolston, 35, was originally the Devils' second selection, No. 11 overall, in the 1991 draft. (They took Scott Niedermayer third overall with their first pick that year.) Rolston was traded Colorado in the deal that brought Claude Lemieux back to the Devils on Nov. 3, 1999.
Rolston, who plays center and wing and can play the point on the power play, had 31 goals and 28 assists in 81 games with Minnesota last season. The Wild traded Rolston's negotiating rights to Tampa Bay on Sunday for a conditional draft pick, but he turned down a three-year contract offer at $4.5 million per season from the Lightning to become an unrestricted free agent at noon today.
The Rangers, Detroit and Minnesota were among the 17 teams that made contract offers to Rolston today.
Excellent.
Posted by: Just Some Guy | July 01, 2008 at 06:11 PM
As mentioned much through out the morning, the Devils had wanted to sign either Campbell or Rolston. Campbell went for the crazy 8-years at 7.1m offered by the Hawks. So Lou went to plan B and finalized with Rolston.
Posted by: Zavior | July 01, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!
Posted by: Jill | July 01, 2008 at 06:12 PM
if this is true, its a good signing! now for a d-man... roszival?
Posted by: rick | July 01, 2008 at 06:12 PM
$5M a year for 4 years. Wow. Still happy to have him. Now we'd like a smooth-skating defenseman.
Posted by: Just Some Guy | July 01, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Roszival will be re-signing soon with NYR. Rolston has been confirmed by TSN. 4 year deal at 5m per season.
Posted by: Zavior | July 01, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Can I just tell everyone how sorry I am for doubting Rolston!! This news will make my day when I find out it's confirmed... Patrik Elias will fed this guy pucks all year long. Stanley Cup, here we come!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kevin | July 01, 2008 at 06:14 PM
No surprise here - his wife is from NJ and she probably had a bit of influence.
Posted by: JG | July 01, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Awesome signing because it gives the Devils what they've been lacking and that's a guy to quarterback the power play and give them that cannon of a shot from the point.
I'm also hoping the team possibly makes a move for Danny Boyle. Would love to have those two guys manning the point and Oduya and Martin on the second unit.
Posted by: Blez | July 01, 2008 at 06:16 PM
TG you have yet to let me down, please don't make today the day.
Posted by: Pat D'Amico | July 01, 2008 at 06:18 PM
A little expensive, but definitely something the Devils needed... a finisher. Brian will help the powerplay for sure. Really happy to have him back. Some boom from the point is still necessary, and as much as I like him, 8 years is way too many at the price Campbell signed at.
Posted by: Brodie30 | July 01, 2008 at 06:18 PM
By the way, Rozsival is on his way back the Rangers. They're working ou the final details.
Posted by: TG | July 01, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Overpaying by a bit, and perhaps a year too long, but still a good move from Lou & co. The bottom line is that we got a good player for a price that isn't over the top.
This says to me that Elias will be a center again next season, and that gives me the feeling that Elias/Zajac/Madden will be our top three centers again, which I'm not thrilled about, but it could be worse.
Welcome home Brian!
Posted by: Josh | July 01, 2008 at 06:20 PM
does Rolston play center?
Posted by: LuziferDevs | July 01, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Awesome deal. I think this means we will be opting for another defnesive defenseman, if we get one at all, since rolston will play the point on the pp. Maybe Hainsey?
Either way, welcome back Brian!
Posted by: JakeT | July 01, 2008 at 06:20 PM
I don't think this is expensive. Considering what this guy can do for us, and what Brian Campbell and even Salvador got, and what we gave Zubrus last year... He will bring us at least 50 points, some leadership, and someone for Zach and Pat to play with. Our top forwards will all be more productive with this guy on the team.
Posted by: mike | July 01, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Overpaying by a bit, and perhaps a year too long, but still a good move from Lou & co. The bottom line is that we got a good player for a price that isn't over the top.
This says to me that Elias will be a center again next season, and that gives me the feeling that Elias/Zajac/Madden will be our top three centers again, which I'm not thrilled about, but it could be worse.
Welcome home Brian!
Posted by: Josh | July 01, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Hey Brodie30, you just took exact words out of my mouth, and I mean exec words. Glad to see someone else with identical thougts.
Posted by: ALEXNJD | July 01, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Wonder if Rolston will buy number 14 off Gio's back?
Posted by: Blez | July 01, 2008 at 06:24 PM
He isn't being overpaid, stope complaining Devils fans. Before today it was that Lou doesn't offer FA's enough money. It's always something with you guys.
Posted by: Pat D | July 01, 2008 at 06:26 PM
this takes langenbrunner of the top 2 lines which was necessary....hes better off with madden + pandolfo....it makes the offense better and the powerplay better.....i'm happy.....keep workin ,lou (WE TRUST)
Posted by: wake up lou | July 01, 2008 at 06:26 PM
LOL about the 14 being bought from Gionta!
Posted by: Kelly | July 01, 2008 at 06:26 PM
It's official on TSN!!!
Great pick up for us... great price too.
Posted by: Kelly | July 01, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Welcome home Brian.
Posted by: Shari | July 01, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Rolston has one of the best and accurate slap shots in hockey. Check out this clip of him beating Loungo with a slapshot on a penalty shot. Great pick up for the Devils!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-3rKIQtfc&feature=related
Posted by: Zavior | July 01, 2008 at 06:29 PM