The Hockey News: Special Features: Analysis: Rolston signing shows money talks, politics walks

Analysis: Rolston signing shows money talks, politics walks

Brian Rolston was originally selected by the Devils 11th overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)

Adam Proteau
2008-07-01 20:12:22

Forget Criss Angel. Lou Lamoriello is the real Mindfreak.

New Jersey’s GM was up to his usual magic as the sun began to dawn on the NHL’s first day of unrestricted free agency – and the rabbit that emerged from his hat came in the form of former Wild center (and former-turned-second-time-around Devil) Brian Rolston.

After scoring 31 goals and 59 points for Minnesota in the 2007-08 campaign, Rolston was one of the more coveted two-way pivots available via unrestricted free agency; as such, Lamoriello was forced to give the 35-year-old a four-year, $20 million contract.

As someone who watched the Jason Blake debacle in Toronto this season, I’m surprised any GM would offer a 35-year-old a four-year deal. But the Devils were desperate to keep pace in a very competitive Atlantic Division, and Rolston definitely will help in that regard.

Oh, and by the way, can we now do away with the fearmongering you tend to hear when listening to some discuss the dangers of sending down a veteran NHLer to the American League for cap relief?

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I mean, when the topic has been broached in Toronto lately, there are many who would say such a demotion is a bush-league move that would scare away potential future free agents from signing with a franchise that operated so heartlessly.

In case you forgot, Lamoriello already has banished not one, not two, not three, but four significant players – including Alexander Mogilny and Dan McGillis – to the AHL since the lockout.

Guess what? The Devils still are able to sign guys.

That’s because the NHL’s Mindfreak understands the key to a good magic trick is finding someone willing to buy into the act. If (a) they’ve been a part of the show before, the way Rolston has, and (b) witnessed the act’s success over and over again, the way all of us have when watching the Devils…well, it’s almost too easy of a sell.

COMMENTS (18)

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Oscar Posted
(2009-04-30 06:31:21)

@ LEAFSFANFOREVER - People like you are why nobody likes the Leafs anymore. And maybe you should pay attention to YOUR TEAM'S roster because it's worse than most American teams. But that's okay; ignorance is bliss after all. This Rolston deal is way better than the one for Finger.

Ryan Queler Posted
(2009-04-30 06:31:16)

I like this deal a lot . Might be overpaid and 1 year too many, we need more offense and Rolston will definitely help.

Chris Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:58)

love the rolston signing. perhaps a bit overpriced but given the other ridiculous contracts offered, it seems to be a steal. the devils offense should get a much needed boost from that booming slapshot. regarding richott's comment about the D, as a devs fan im not so worried. paul martin is developing into a top tier defenseman (perhaps still a year off), oduya has offensive potential written all over him, and salvador seems to be the prototypical devils defenseman. after all its the devils. they do defense, and they do it well. by signing rolston and holik, lou skillfully addressed the most pressing need...strength down the middle. who knows, maybe we even make it to the second round next year

richott Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:51)

Nice to see Rollie back. He's still pretty quick, can play the point on the pp and will keep of with the other guys defensively. 4@$20M seems a bit much, but could be a bargain compared to other guys out there. This a big help to the offence. Still, defence is an issue. Salvador...White...and the rest are not the answer. The Dev's need at least one steady D-man to eat minutes and keep things in line in front of Marty. After Redden and Campbell who's available that's worth a shot? Maybe Lou has something in mind with a trade, but the farm is thin right now. Who would have thought the Devils would in serious need of defence?

NY Rangers in 09! Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:51)

rangers better get jagr n avery i dont know if this will happen bc we only have 10million in cap space left but whatever. give jagr 8 million for a year. and try to get avery wit the rest, very unlikely but a guy can dream cant he??????

LEAFSFANFOREVER Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:48)

Edward, take your head out of your @ss. Look at the roster's of American teams and pay particular attention to their nationality. Small American cities are killing the league. Hockey is CANADA and never forget that... Half of the teams in the States should be folded anyway. As I posted on another article: If the city doesn't get snow, they shouldn't get a team, plain and simple. Have you ever played hockey? Can you even skate?

greg Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:46)

Adam, another reason why Rolston may not be afraid of being sent down to the minors to get him off the cap is because he can't be. Correct me if I'm wrong, but players signed when they are 35 or older can't be sent down to the minors. I would assume that this gives him more confidence than trust (or possibly not caring) in Lou to not to do it.

greg Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:46)

I meant sent down and the team receive cap relief. I misspoke. I realize that anyone can still be sent down (assuming they clear waivers, etc.)

Kevin Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:46)

Normally I'm not an angry guy, but f*** you, Edward. The Canadian teams are the NHL's most profitable. You would also risk alienating the Canadian players that make your american teams so good. Oh yeah, and if you hate Canadians so much, at least learn to spell it. We don't all play for Montreal.

mike Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:45)

it's funny that these hockey news guys bash the devils but they fail to write an article on how the Leafs committed $3.5M to Jeff Finger over 4 years and Nik Hagman $3M per for 4. Yes they praised the hiring of Brent Sutter.

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