Wild Sign Brian Rolston
by Chris Thompson

Thursday, July 8, 2004

Rolston is an instant first-liner for the Wild

The Minnesota Wild made perhaps the biggest free agent signing in its short history Thursday when it was announced that center Brian Rolston had signed a contract with the team. Rolson, who turned 31 in February, brings size and talent to the Wild, who were in desparate need of a veteran, play making center. At 6'2", 210 lbs, Rolston can dish out some punishment on the defensive end, but he can also handle the puck well in the offensive zone and has a good nose for the net.

Rolston spent the previous four-plus seasons with the Boston Bruins after being the key piece in the Ray Bourque trade. In Boston, he helped develop youngsters Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov, while still managing to average nearly 60 points per season himself, including a career high 31 goals in the 2001-02 season. Additionally, he has had only one NHL season with a negative +/- rating.

Going into the 2003 Playoffs, NHL.com's Phil Coffey spoke glowingly about Rolston. "Rolston is among the fastest skaters in the NHL and he is a star penalty killer and constant threat for a shorthanded goal. Rolston also can play the point on the power play and skate a regular shift. A very productive jack-of-all-trades who can make some noise in the postseason."

While news of Rolston's arrival in Minnesota may come as a shock to many Wild fans, a deeper look reveals that it may have been fate. Rolston came up with the New Jersey Devils and won a Stanley Cup with them when current Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire was the coach there. Minnesota struggled through several failed experiements at center last season, so it's not surprising that Jacques encouraged GM Doug Risebrough to turn to a familiar name for some stability at center. He was the Devil's #1 pick in 1991, adding to a growing list of former #1 picks on the Wild's roster.

What is particularly interesting about the signing is the timing. With the CBA situation still unsettled and the upcoming season in serious doubt, many people expected the Wild to be quiet observers in the free agent market until they had a better picture of the post-lockout environment. The fact they signed Rolston in spite of this clearly shows how important they thought it was to get a quality player to help out whenever hockey resumes again in Minnesota.

Another big reason for fans to be excited about this signing: the guy can win faceoffs, something that has been sorely missing in Minnesota. Rolston won 51% of his faceoffs last season, and has shown steady improvement in the faceoffs department every season. If that trend continues and he can win around 53% of his faceoffs this season, he'll give Minnesota a complete, well-rounded package they have been without since they entered the league.

Rolston immediately becomes the Wild's #1 center, but can also move over and play either wing if needed. He will no doubt help improve a power-play that struggled to create chances last season as well. The fans of Minnesota are in for a treat with this guy. Congratulations to Wild management for making the move to get it done in spite of the labor situation.