Rolston: "I will be going to free agency"

Brian Rolston said in a text message this morning to the Minneapolis Star Tribune he has turned down the Lightning's offer to sign a contract and will test free agency beginning at noon.

"I will be going to free agency," Rolston said.

He also indicated that Tampa Bay was not out of the mix, but said he would not answer any more media calls.

The turn-down was the first disappointment for OK Hockey this free agent season. After a huge run of upbeat and successful moves -- signing Vinny Prospal, Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts, trading for puck-moving defenseman Janne Niskala -- Rolston turned down Tampa Bay, not, it is believed, because of financial issues, but because of lifestyle questions. He apparently wants to go to a hockey city with strong youth hockey roots, specifically for his son, Ryder, 6.

"He said we're not out of it," Lightning owner Len Barrie said. "We made a hell of an offer, we think, and we'll see what happens. We have one ore move to make, and if not we'll sit pat. We hit a home run with Malone and we tried to hit a grand slam with Rolston."

Rolston's agent, Stephen Bartlett said lifestyle issues were not at the heart of his client's decision, but the usual concerns of a 35-year-old who might be signing his final contract. Rolston's negotiating rights were acquired for a third-round pick in 2010.

"What it comes down to is for a player who is about to sign the most important contract of his career, it was a matter of seeing what all the options are out there," Bartlett said. "It's nothing anti-Tampa. Tampa is still on our short list."

"It's not done yet," coach Barry Melrose said of trying to bring Rolston in. "We're still in it. We're still working. If we get Rolston, great, but we have other contingencies."

One is Coyotes left wing Radim Vrbata, 27, who had 27 goals last season and is as good defensively as offensively.

"He can play the right side, which we need," said Melrose from his office at the St. Pete Times Forum. "He can play the second unit of the power play, which we need. And he's young. We're trying to bring in guys who are in the prime of their careers. ... People are pounding the phones, they're talking to each other. It's like a nerve center in here."

Comments

[WildFan]

I will state right away that I am a Wild fan living in Minnesota, but I won't be biased in what I have to say. I am sure Rolston would like to be in a hockey city, but obviously it is not his main priority or he would have just resigned with the Wild. Considering the stellar moves TB has made recently, the club would look at least semi-appealing to any player approaching free agency, especially a player the club has shown a deep interest in. It is possible Rolston will take an offer somewhere else that has deeper hockey roots, but I wouldn't rule out him signing with Tampa. It is going to be nice to see some competition out of the southeast division next season (nothing against TB or the division, but they didn't offer up much competition last year)

[kg]

yeah. roy wasn't a good goalie?

[Blindside Czech]

Ask any Bruins fan or team member. Rolston never was, and never will be, a team guy.

He wouldn't have been a good fit with the team.

As for Huet, he isn't the answer. The French make good wine, not good goalies.

[jrweber25]

Sportsnet reports Lightining sign Vrbata

[Bryan]

This could be a good thing, 6 mins to FA and Huet announced that he's going UFA, and we still have the cap space....

[kg]

maybe he should go up to chicago and hang out with the other money hungry ex-bolt! What a bonehead.

[Tony]

Eh, you can't win 'em all...

[Bryan]

You'd think if he was that serious about being in a hockey town he'd have never left Minnesota and the surrounding area. I'm sure this is more about money, and i'm sure someone is willing to give him 5/year, and thats cool, i'm not upset, its a smart move on his part. This will probably be his last contract and i'm sure he wants to make it count and sit on that cash for the wife and kids.

Good luck Brian! I was hoping you'd be a bolt but best of luck wherever you go.

[wahls]

Eh oh well. I'm not too bummed about it. I figured he would want to go to a "hockey town" and most of the northern media doesn't even consider us in a hockey division. At least they tried and I'm not too upset about losing the draft pick. 3 out of 4 is nothing to complain about. Now Oren and Len, grab your tents and head for Vrbata's back yard pronto! Only a little less than an hour and a half to get your stuff set up so get a move on!

[Stu]

Does the player have any benefit of signing before going to free agency except knowing that a team has special interest in him? I would probably go to free agency to explore all options before signing a last minute deal without having time to really consider it. So don't give up on Rolston yet. By the way, I've been involved in youth hockey in the area for a couple years now and very impressed with the opportunities out there. Of course, I really am in no position to judge it versus hockey up north as I grew up here.

[karma]

Someone needs to call his wife, the way Dudley called Andrechuk's wife - making the decision for him! I'm surprised that Andy wasn't part of the effort with Rolston.

Personally, I think we have a ton of scoring talent. We need some depth for the 3rd and 4th lines, and another top-4 d-man. Those are the real priorities with this club.

[Leanmean43]

He could still sign with us, but it's doubtful if a team like Detroit or the Rangers offer him the same money. However, if we are the best offer he receives he'll probably go with the us.

[Don in St. Pete]

Looks clear that Rolston won't sign with us. I hope they can lock up Vrbata.

[Al]

Thanks alot Rolston!!!!

[David (Clearwater, Fl)]

That sucks. hopefully they aren't out if it completely, but it looks like they are essentially. Bring on Vrbata!