Rolston, Wild still seek a deal

Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

Brian Rolston is preparing to test his value in the free-agent market if he and the Wild cannot agree on a contract.

They're still negotiating, but the hard-shooting forward is preparing for the possibility that he'll be on the market. Summary.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: June 18, 2008 - 9:50 PM

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Brian Rolston made one thing crystal clear Wednesday night: While the three-time Wild 30-goal scorer still thinks he can get a deal done to finish his career in Minnesota, Rolston is not going to give the Wild a hometown discount because he wants to play in Minnesota.

"They made me a decent offer [Friday], but we're not there yet," Rolston, 35, said in a phone interview. "I'm looking for my market value. What is my market value? I don't want to state it, but I think we have a good understanding of what it is.

"We're real confident if things do fall through that other teams out there will look highly on me. I don't think the age issue will be such an issue.

"This is an exciting time. This will probably be my last contract for me and my family. ... I know we get paid a lot of money as athletes. Whatever offers are out there, it's crazy money, no question about it. The average person looks at this like, 'Oh my God,' and I understand that, trust me. But at the same time, this is relative to hockey, and whatever the market is, that's what I'm going to be paid.

"So right now, I'm just getting prepared for next season so I'm on top of my game for wherever I end up."

It's believed Rolston is seeking $4 million to $5 million per season, although he won't say for sure. Rolston, who arguably played under his market value the past three years at $2.432 million annually, can become a free agent July 1 if the Wild doesn't sign him.

He says he's "still optimistic we can get something done and that's what we're hoping for."

"I don't think we're far apart, but we've come a long way and July 1 is right around the corner here, so it may get done, it may not get done," Rolston said. "I don't know if another offer is coming back."

General Manager Doug Risebrough could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but on his most recent blog ("Our Summer Outline") on wild.com, he wrote the Wild "unquestionably want [Rolston] back," but said that the NHL's "35-year-old" rule is influencing negotiations.

If Rolston were injured or retired during his contract, he'd count against the Wild's salary cap for the balance of the contract.

Last week, Risebrough said he wanted to know by Friday's draft if Rolston could be signed in case he needed to make a trade during draft weekend.

Rolston read those comments and said, "I know as the draft comes closer, things may happen. We'll see either way. Like Doug said, he has to make a decision. They might decide to go another way."

Recent Minnesota Wild stories

Prospects are earning praise with edgy play - June 18, 2008

Prospects are earning praise with edgy play - DALLAS - Like many coaches, Kevin Constantine barely remembers goals. Sacrifice for the team, however, is something the Houston Aeros coach will recognize all day long. More