Russo: Rolston Could Become Penguin

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 30, 09:21 PM | Hype this story!

Brian Rolston yesterday found himself involved in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Being an impending free agent, the deal was designed to give Lightning officials an opportunity to sign the veteran before he hits the open market.

Apparently that possibility has hit a snag, as little news has surfaced regarding contract talks, and just under 14 hours remain until he has the option of selling himself to the highest bidder — or maybe choosing a destination that fits his plans.

Michael Russo writes for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and has had close contact with Rolston for years.

In his blog today, Russo — not to be confused with Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Rob Rossi — indicates that Rolston might be looking to head home to Detroit.

But he also mentioned Pittsburgh as a distinct possibility, based on Rolston’s desire to play meaningful hockey at this point in his career.

Russo writes: “Deep down, I really think he’s praying the Red Wings come calling. That would be a dream come true for the Michigan native and childhood Wings fan. Two other big options? I think Pittsburgh and the Rangers. I think he’d sign either place in a heartbeat.”

He added that the Wild are in need of a physical defender, and Brooks Orpik clearly would fit the mold. Marian Hossa, on the other hand, doesn’t seem a likely candidate to play wing in the “State of Hockey.”

Comments

  1. Eric

    Jun 30, 09:55 PM

    The Wild will need a center for Gabby so I think Russo is right about Hossa.

    I love Rolston. Could be an interesting fit in a Pens uni. Although I’ll need to restock the Advil after reading the conditional draft pick terms of the Wild trading his rights.

  2. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 30, 10:00 PM

    One thing to beware of with Rolston is his age. According to James Mirtle

    “Under the CBA, any multi-year contract given to a 35-year-old free agent will count against the cap regardless of whether or not the player plays out the full deal.

    “In other words, if Brian Rolston signs in Tampa Bay for, let’s say, $15-million over three years and retires after next season, there will be a cap hit of $5-million for the Lightning the next two seasons.”

  3. Pens1967

    Jul 1, 05:37 AM

    How much luck have the Pens had with the 35+ year olds they’ve signed? LeClaire, Recchi, Roberts, they’ve been ok, but none really worked out that well.

  4. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jul 1, 07:29 AM

    Recchi worked out the first time around. I think Roberts worked out exactly as they had hopes, as he mentored the young players and taught them the dedication and passion needed to compete. Leclair was 50/50, as he was decent his first year and horrible his second — but he also is credited by Malone with teaching the younger forwards how to park in front of the net and play a power game.

    Regardless, I get your point that the production just hasn’t been there with the aging signings, which might be a deterrent in this case.

  5. Dabich

    Jul 1, 07:58 AM

    Happy Birthday Matt!

    Good job all you guys are doing keeping us up to date. =D

  6. Pens1967

    Jul 1, 08:06 AM

    Matt, I agree that from a mentoring standpoint, yes, those three did help a lot.
    I’m not sure how great Recchi was in the locker room, but he surely helped by serving as a landlord and friend to Jordan Staal.

    Now, though, the Pens have been through two playoff runs. Crosby, Malkin, Whitney, Fleury, Talbot (an underrated leader, imo)
    are all a year older and wiser. I think the need for vetern “character” guys is not so great anymore.

    And Happy Birthday as well, Matt!

  7. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jul 1, 08:17 AM

    Thanks Dabich and Pens! Hopefully Shero will deliver a nice gift more me today!

    Pens, I think Rolston is capable of bringing more than just character at this point — but for how long? I agree, though, that character players shouldn’t exactly be a top priority at this point, as the core really has developed plenty of leadership and whatnot.

  8. Pens1967

    Jul 1, 08:36 AM

    Should we ask how old you are? I’m scared because I suspect if you tell me, I’ll feel really, really ancient! :)

  9. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jul 1, 08:39 AM

    Dabich knows how old I am :)

    Actually, I’m neither old nor really young. I’m 25. A quarter of a century, as the work-study students in my office informed me this morning.

  10. Dabich

    Jul 1, 09:05 PM

    Pens1967, You’re not ancient, I am ;)
    Matt is a young-un!

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