PHILADELPHIA – The Devils’ latest bid to create a No. 1 center begins here tonight.
In launching his second Devils go-round in their exhibition opener here, Brian Rolston returns to New Jersey with much greater responsibilities. Signed July 1 for four years at $5 million per, the 35-year-old has been penciled in as pivot on New Jersey’s top line, between Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta.
Rolston, who favors playing wing, says he never has played as a No. 1 center, but welcomes the scrutiny the expectations will bring.
“I’m certainly no savior here,” said Rolston, a Devils’ first-rounder (11th overall) in 1991, whose name was engraved on the Stanley Cup in 1995.
“People are watching. At this point in my career, I’m past that,” he said. “There were great expectations in Minnesota. I’m just hoping to add something. I’m looking forward to people watching, and wanting to see what I’m all about.”
Rolston, traded to Colorado in 1999 for Claude Lemieux, a deal widely credited as a key to the 2000 Cup, blossomed as a scorer with Boston and Minnesota with his first three 30-goal seasons. He takes issue with the idea of a No. 1 center, but for now, that’s his well-paid job.
“What’s so great about this team is that there are so many good [players]. That’s why there isn’t a No. 1,” Rolston said.
After undergoing several tests from camp, right wing Barry Tallackson has returned to Minnesota to undergo more testing with family input for a heart irregularity discovered in last week’s physical. Lou Lamoriello still says he doesn’t believe the condition is serious, but says he will not take any risks.
Flyers and Devils prospects play an AHL game at 4 p.m. in Newark tomorrow, open to public free of charge … Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen are expected to share netminding duties tonight.