Brian Rolston Assigned to Albany Devils; Will be Placed on Re-Entry Waivers

The New Jersey Devils and General Manager Lou Lamoriello have sent left winger Brian Rolston down to their AHL affiliate Albany Devils. Lamoriello also said that Rolston will be put on re-entry waivers in the near future. This means another team could claim him for half of his remaining salary and half of his cap hit. Per CapGeek, Rolston makes $5 million in salary for this season and next season with a cap hit of $5,062,500. His re-entry price is a salary of $2.5 million and a cap hit of exactly $2,531,250. The Devils would be responsible for the remaining half, including his cap hit. These numbers will be pro-rated for this season.

Two weeks ago, he was place on regular waivers. Here is Kevin's post regarding that. He was not picked up by any of the other 29 teams, thus clearing waivers, and he returned to the lineup for the next game. This move took exactly two weeks because of the holiday roster freeze in which Lou wanted to wait. Because the move was made before noon, he will be going to his assignment today. He was not present for the New Jersey Devils' morning practice per Tom Gulitti. Lamoriello address the issue, and told the press he will be sent to Albany. The team with the lowest points percentage (well..second lowest) get first dibs on Rolston.

Lamoriello has given permission for Rolston and his agent to seek a trade. I honestly don't see this happening. Why would a team go after a Brian Rolston with his full hit and cap knowing he may be available to them at half that? No team claimed him for free when he was placed on regular waivers, why would they give anything up for him?

Here is the audio of Lamoriello's announcement and discussion with the media courtesy of the Devils website. Right at the end he mentions Rolston's ice time and that a younger player will be getting his role. For Devils' fans looking to go younger, you are getting your wish, though Lamoriello did say he is not expecting to put any other player on waivers. It seems Vladimir Zharkov is taking Rolston's spot for now. I guess this answer's John's post on who should sit for for him.

The Devils practice line up per Tom Gulitti: Mattias Tedenby is with Ilya Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac. Zharkov is with Tim Sestito and Dainius Zubrus.

Here's a quick poll: