Brian Rolston wants a Wild Deal Done

Leading up to the draft, the Minnesota Wild have made it known that there main priority is to sign their on ice leader Brian Rolston before he is eligible to hit the open market on July 1 as a free agent.

Long time Wild general manager Doug Risebrough was drawing up a lucrative proposal for the 35 year-old forward who has produced 96 goals and 106 assists over his past three campaigns in Minnesota. Early last week Risebrough held some optimistic negotiations with both Rolston and his agent Steve Bartlett, which had the general manager feeling excited. “I think the fact we’re talking means we can get it done,” he said.

Over his three- year tenure with the Wild, the general manager used the word consistent and reliable to describe Rolston who is known for his quality slap-shot. Having to deal with the dreaded salary cap, Risebrough said that he can’t afford and won’t be signing both Rolston and Pavol Demitra who slumped badly with only 15 goals last year. “I can’t talk to both of them,” the general manager said. “I guess you could do it and say here’s the pile guys. Somebody grab it, and whoever gets there first… But that’s not how it works.” “Both can come back but both aren’t coming back.”

Minnesota, who lost to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round this past season, also likes the dressing room veteran leadership that Rolston brings and wants to finalize things by the June 20 draft in Ottawa.

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