Devils GM Lou Lamoriello Tuesday said LW Brian Rolston will be assigned to Albany for the purpose of placing him on re-entry waivers, which would allow any team to pick him up at half-price.
The 37-year-old, on the third year of a four-year, $20 million deal, has indicated he will accept assignment to the minors, so that the Devils would be unable to terminate his contract for failure to report.
Rolston was waived Dec. 14 and stands 2-3-5 in 21 games, with a minus-12 rating. He was signed to return to the Devils on July 1,2008, after compiling three 30-goal seasons with Minnesota. He scored 15, 20 and now, two, goals since returning.
The Devils will have to pay half of his remaining salary this season and next, and absorb half his remaining cap hit through next season.
“I don’t think there will be any other re-entries,” Lamoriello said.
“I still believe in Brian. He can still play the game,” Lamoriello said. “But it’s not fair to ask a coach to make a choice between a veteran and a young player.”
Lamoriello said Rolston, who spent six seasons with the Devils in his first stint, has been a model player.
“No one is more positive than Brian. It’s unfortunate that it did not work out,” Lamoriello said. “With his playing time and what maybe the results have been, it’s time to put a young player in.”
The Devils Monday recalled Vladimir Zharkov to fill Rolston’s lineup spot.