Position: Right Wing/Center
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 214 lbs
Birthdate: February 21, 1973 (38 years old)
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan, United States
Acquired: Trade with New Jersey Devils - 2011
2010-2011 Team: New Jersey Devils
2010-2011 Stats: 65 GP - 14 G - 20 A - 34 P - 34 PIM
2011-2012 Team: New York Islanders
Team Role: Second/Third Line Wing
Last year: Rolston had a very interesting 2010-11 season, as he was a true victim of a salary cap world. Playing for the New Jersey Devils, Rolston was waived twice and was brought back to the NHL through re-entry waivers once without being claimed due to his high cap hit. After a first half in which he struggled, Rolston came back with a strong second half finishing the season with 34 points in 65 games, which averages over .5 points-per-game. Despite technically being part of New Jersey's AHL affiliate, he never played a game for Albany even after saying he would do what was best for the organization. Finally, in the summer of 2011, the Devils traded Rolston to the Islanders in a salary cap dump for Trent Hunter.
Expectations: The expectations for Rolston should be tempered, as he is not the player he was in his prime. His speed is still there, and his shot is most definitely still there - two qualities that help his game immensely. He is a good three-zone forward that could complement players like Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau very nicely. Rolston has been renowned as a leader everywhere he has gone, making him a candidate to be part of the leadership core of the team this season (along with Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo). All things being equal, the main goal for Rolston will be to stay healthy. There is little doubt that he will produce on the scoresheet when he is in the lineup, but he is starting to get up there in age, so a lot of his season could be judged on his durability.
Projections: GP 59 - 12 G - 18 A - 30 P
Thoughts:
CH: Rolston will spend much of his time this season playing the point on the powerplay, which should give the second unit some life with his booming shot. He will cause opponents to play their penalty kill differently, as opposed to having a guy like Kyle Okposo, predominantly a passer, on the point. The reason Mark Streit and Rolston don't work together on the first unit is because they are both lefties, making one-timers much more difficult. From that standpoint, it is more likely we see Okposo or Travis Hamonic on the first unit in that spot. Overall, Rolston is an improvement over Trent Hunter, so the Islanders will be better off for having him. His two-way play will be noticeable, which will make him a very effective part of this team. Like we said above, his main issue will be staying healthy. Rolston has already missed much of training camp, so he is already a little behind with no pre-season action. A game this weekend would do wonders for him as we head into the season next Saturday.
AT: Even at his age, Rolston packs an incredible slapper and great vision on the PP that the Isles will undoubtedly use. He's a playmaker and a passer first and foremost, but can even chip in over 20 goals if he stays healthy this year, especially if Josh Bailey finally picks up his game. The swap of Hunter with Rolston was a very positive one, as Rolston is a much better utilized player who can contribute efficiently in his area of expertise. He's another veteran along with Streit, Reasoner, Eaton and possibly Staios who can help mentor this young team towards the future with his years of experience, and should be a great leader in the lockerroom. Rolston, even though not worth his salary, is still a decent player who will contribute to this team both on and off the ice.
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