Served as a valuable role player with the Bruins last season in what was likely his last NHL hurrah.
Rolston was a curious acquisition by the Islanders as he doesn't fit the youth movement and the free-agent signing of Marty Reasoner would seem to give the team a Doug Weight type of presence in the lineup. Rolston still believes he can be a top six forward but it's hard to see the Isles not giving their talented youngsters those jobs. Rolston can play the point on the power play and could end up opposite Mark Streit on the first unit, but other than that we will need to wait until training camp to see how the Isles deploy him when they are at even strength.
Rolston had another disappointing season in 2010, with just 20 goals and 37 points despite playing 80 games. The days of him being assured of 30 goals are long gone and he's more of a third-liner that the Devils will use in a variety of situations rather than relying on him for production. Look for him to see some power play time thanks to his heavy shot, but he's a depth player at this point in his career.
If there’s ever a candidate for a bounceback season, pundits will be hard-pressed to find a candidate more befitting than Brian Rolston. Signed to a four-year contract in the summer of 2008, Rolston drastically under-performed his first season back in New Jersey; a campaign plagued by injury and the lack of a clearly defined role. Rolston saw plenty of power-play time, but rarely cracked the top two offensive lines. Rolston’s most productive seasons were under Lemaire with the Wild and Lemaire wants to play the veteran at his natural left wing position. While we might not see 35 goals, Rolston should tally close to 30 and is never shy about launching the puck. Look for him to man the point on the power play as well.
Slated to play a variety of positions, Rolston returns to where his career started. A member of the Devils' 1995 Cup-winning side, Rolston has been brought back to provide a spark for their offense (and not cheaply, at a clip of $20 million over four years). Capable of playing center and left wing, Rolston will see plenty of scoring chances this season as he's expected to anchor the New Jersey power play. He's posted 30 or more goals in each of the past three seasons and the Devils are looking for more of the same. Bump him up a bit in leagues that count shots on goal, as he's not shy about launching the puck.
Rolston returns to where his career started. A member of the Devils' 1995 Cup-winning side, the Devils brought him in to provide a spark for their offense. Capable of playing center and left wing, Rolston will see plenty of scoring chances this season as he's expected to anchor the Devils' power play. He's posted 30 or more goals in each of the past three seasons and will be expected to do the same. Bump him up a bit in leagues that count shots on goal.
Last season he had a career-high with 31 goals and 77 points. Can he repeat the career year? The Brian Rolston-Todd White-Pierre-Marc Bouchard second line had good chemistry late last season and returns in tact with 2002 first-round pick Bouchard possibly growing in a star. The upgrade of scoring talent on the Wild should also help Rolston's production.
Rolston signed a contract with the Wild just before the lockout but never got a chance to play with his new team. He may be on the same line with Marian Gaborik and will replace Andrew Brunette as the Wild's second best source of offense. He could return to 50+ points again with a fresh start.
