Rolston not a sure thing

Perhaps it was just posturing. Perhaps he just didn't want to give anything away. Or maybe Brian Rolston is so committed to exploring his worth on the open market, the Lightning is going to have to work like crazy to get him signed.

Whatever the motivations, Rolston's agent Stephen Bartlett played it close to the vest Monday afternoon when asked how negotiations were going with Tampa Bay.

"We've had some discussions," he said.

A good starting point for the Lightning, which is dealing with a player who, as the free agency period approached, has been up front about testing the market, "And I'm not sure that has been derailed or not," Bartlett said. "That's what we're working through."

You can't blame Rolston after three consecutive 30-goal seasons playing in a defense-first system in Minnesota. He made $2.432-million last season so he likely figures it's time for a huge payday. Making negotiations tougher, of course, is his age. Because he is 35, the term of the contract could be an issue.

Rolston can become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday, free to sign with any team. Even so, there's plenty of time left for things to happen. Look how quickly the lay of the land changed with Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts. By the way, still waiting for an official announcement that they signed.

[AP Photo]

Comments

[David]

Has anybody heard anything about Rolston and a signature yet I havent heard about any contract. Im soo excited about our second line!!!

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Give him an offer he can't refuse...$20 mil for 4 years, structure it in decreasing incementation so we don't poop away the future on one deal. That would be fair and I doubt anyone else would be willing to go that high for a 35 year old winger.

[marosh]

thanks for last two days!!!! When I was young and didnt know what the hockey is, i saw the lightnings logo first time and then i started to be a hockey fan because all my schoolmates had a favourite team, my heart cheers for the lightning!!!! I was a looser first years, you know why.., then we won, but since that i had no smile on my face, till now ... A new family has born here again, last moves makes me really happy, thank you managers. I am your huge fan more than 15 years, Marosh from slovakia(eastern europe) :)

[B]

How's 4yrs 17M sound Brian?

[Tony]

How's 3yrs 15M sound Brian?

[Bryan]

Boltflasher - I almost agree with you there except that he was expected to fall to the 3rd line, and be a productive grinder whereas they want Rolston to wing Stamkos.

I think Grattons situation will be more telling. If they lock up Gratton for more than a year or throw a decent chunk of change (2 mil or something) we'll have an idea... I think if they toss him a 1 mil, 1 year deal it could be just ground covering for a buyout if Halpern was to come back. Maybe.

[Don in St. Pete]

DC, Thanks again for keeping us up to date. I actually found this encouraging. Rolston has to like the sound of whats brewing here in Tampa Bay. He can also get this done early before the crap hit's the ventilator. It might be to his advantage to escape the hassle of tomorrow. C'mon Brian we love you man! GO BOLTS!

[Boltflasher]

How far the Lightning are willing to go with Rolston may be indicator of their opinion on Halpern's ability to come back...

[Stacey]

Oh PLEASE, Brian, you'll love it here! Know the game Candyland? Oh yeah, that's what it's like here. Uh huh. Flying cars too. These are things that most people don't know about FL but there ya' go. Now, sign right on the line above your printed name...

[Voice of the Turtle]

It is helpful to bear in mind that this process has a self-selecting element to it. Although Rolston wants to optimize on his undercompensated production in recent years and recognizes that he is running out of time to hit the jackpot, he is still a career hockey player who will assess the circumstances that he will be facing in the near future. Rolston will get a strong sense about the Lightning organization and the people who will be functioning in it. He will think about the players with whom he will be skating and assess chances of the team getting to and moving through the playoff process.

If the new owners offer him a handsome three year contract with a strong salary component, it seems obvious that the bird in the hand might appear very appealing. Additionally, he must realize how much he is appreciated in Tampa Bay by the mere fact that a sacrifice has been made by the club just for the right to negotiate.

Essentially, it might come down to the simple question of whether or not he wants to play here.