A Wild reunion in the works?

We mentioned a couple of days ago about a former Minnesota Wild player having made his way to the Tampa Lightning. Wes Walz headed south to take a job as an assistant coach. Now we learn that, over the weekend, the Wild traded away rights to talk to Brian Rolston to Tampa in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Could this mean that Rolston is done in Minnesota, and, more to the point, about to be wearing a bolt on his chest?

For the first question, we have to think it's almost undoubtedly yes. Rolston and the Wild haven't been able to get any real progress on a contract, and he won't be back in the Xcel as a home player. While there's still a slim chance that he could wear Iron Range red next year, it would have to be a big shock. And, no matter what you think of Rolston, his departure from Minnesota will have big shockwaves through a team that took the division crown, and then folded in the playoffs.

As for whether or not he's destined for Tampa, let's remember that they just got the rights over the weekend, and tomorrow (July 1), he can become an unrestricted free agent. With a relatively weak market right now, Rolston has to be chomping at the bit to see what the league is willing to throw at a player of his skill, while also keeping in mind his age. Wherever he signs, he'll be able to make an immediate impact, and it will most likely be his final contract. In fact, it's just that free agency potential that keeps Minnesota in the running for Rolston, but the chances of the Wild getting outbid are just too high.

Interestingly enough, the Wild are pursuing another player who might help fill that gap. Andrew Brunette, he has provided a number of Wild playoff memories on both sides (from the unbelievable run to helping facilitate their collapse) has expressed interest in returning to Minnesota. The question if Bruno comes back is if he can fill the gap created by Roli's departure. Admittedly, though, if the Wild could lock down both players, it could really change the outlook for 2008-09.