Matters turn silent in Wild's talks with Rolston

The player's agent has not returned phone calls for renewed negotiations, leaving the team to wonder if he has already decided to test the free-agent market.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: June 25, 2008 - 11:30 PM

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The Brian Rolston negotiations have literally stopped short.

According to Wild assistant general manager Tom Lynn, Rolston's agent, Steve Bartlett, has not returned a phone call since last week. The Wild hoped it would jump-start negotiations Saturday by making it known publicly that the team had made three contract proposals to Rolston without receiving a counteroffer.

But it has not worked. The team continues to have no conversation with Rolston.

"I don't know if it's totally dead because they've characterized it to us that they wanted to continue open talking," Lynn said from the AHL meetings in Hilton Head, S.C. "So while it may not be totally dead, it's not going anywhere right now.

"I've never gotten a call from [Bartlett] that wasn't initiated by me, and there's nothing going on now."

Via text message, Rolston said Wednesday there was "no news," and Tuesday said, "I don't think it's over." He declined to comment further.

However, with Bartlett not returning Wild calls, one has to wonder if Rolston has decided to become a free agent July 1.

Lynn said the Wild has not allowed other teams to negotiate with Rolston before July 1.

The Wild has received trade offers -- likely draft picks -- for Rolston's rights. Lynn said, "I'll leave that final decision to [GM] Doug [Risebrough]," as to whether the Wild trades Rolston's rights.

Risebrough declined to comment Wednesday. Bartlett didn't return a message left on his voice mail.

It appears most teams are having difficulty re-signing unrestricted free agents.

"There's huge expectations in the market, not just with a guy like Rolston, who's played 600-plus games, but down to a guy like Aaron Voros, who's played 55," Lynn said. "Everyone expects big raises. Some will get them, no doubt. But others might not because this is still a salary cap system.

"I don't think every possible free agent can expect a big raise. But no one wants to be safe. Everybody wants to gamble, and I don't think the cap system [will] be able to support all of it."

According to Lynn, Voros is looking for an enormous raise and one-way contract, and free agent Todd Fedoruk has similar expectations.

"They have high expectations, and I doubt they will be met from our team by July 1 unless they make big changes," Lynn said. "They'll have to test the market."

Etc.

Brian Lawton, the former Minneapolis-based agent and North Stars No. 1 overall pick, was named vice president of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I enjoyed my career as a player and then as a player agent, but I have longed to get back on the team side of things," Lawton said. "Having the opportunity to be back in an environment where winning games and championships are the focus really gets the competitive juices and energies flowing again."

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