Does Brunette Replace Rolston?

Filed under: Minnesota, General NHL, Lightning, Avalanche, Wild, NHL Free AgencyIt sounds simple. Let one veteran forward (Brian Rolston) go. Sign another veteran forward (Andrew Brunette). It sounds simple, and it may be what the Minnesota Wild decide to do when free agency opens up Tuesday.As Kevin Schultz reported, the Wild have traded Rolston's negotiating rights to Tampa Bay for a conditional pick. Common sense dictates that this is the final step in the process of losing a player who has scored 96 goals for the Wild in the last three years.Michael Russo notes that the Wild and Brunette seem to have mutual interest in a reunion. There is no secret that Wild general manager Doug Risebrough has a tinge of regret over his decision to let Brunette walk three years ago. Evidently, Brunette has some similar regrets. Well, not exactly the same.Plus, if Brunette returns, all will be forgiven with his wife, Lorie. "I don't think she's still gotten over leaving Minnesota," Brunette quipped.Hey, Risebrough will take it any way he can get it. He needs a presence in front of the net, and he needs a presence in the locker room that can pick up some of the void left by Rolston. Continue reading Does Brunette Replace Rolston?Permalink | Email this | Comments more...