May 4th, 2012 by Joe Makarski

Boston Bruins report cards: No. 12 Brian Rolston

Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) Bruins forward, number 12, Brian Rolston

Throughout the offseason, Bruins Daily will be posting daily report cards on each individual of the 2011-12, Boston Bruins.

In order of jersey number, each player will be highlighted. In today’s edition, we have number 12, Bruins forward Brian Rolston.

Name: Brian Rolston
Position: Foward
Shoots: Left
Age: 39
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 214 lbs.
Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent in 2012-13

2011-12 NHL Season stats:
Regular season: 21 GP, 3/12/15, plus-7, 8 PIM, 39 SOG
Playoffs: 7 GP, 1-2-3, minus-2, 0 PIM, 17 SOG

Chris’ Take:

When Bruins fans heard they reacquired Brian Rolston from the New York Islanders at the trade deadline, one can imagine there were many sighs of frustration. Rolston was 39 years-old and accumulated nine points in 49 games for the Islanders. The veteran made Boston fans believers out of him again notching three goals while adding 12 assists in 21 games. The chemistry Rolston brought on the third line was unmatched. His experience and rocket of a shot kept him on the ice and when he was out there, he contributed nicely to the mix silencing any critics post trade deadline. General Manager Peter Chiarelli should see what he can do about bringing this unsung leader back to the Bruins locker room next season.

Final Grade: A-

Marks Turn:

In 49 games played in New York, Brian Rolston posted a mere 4-5=9 and minus-12 rating on New York’s Island. But once finding his way back to Boston for a second time around, the 39-year-old racked-up 3-12=15 scoring totals and a plus-7 in the final 21 games of the season with the B’s. (Let it be known that I harped on this all season/post season long — Brian Rolston should have been the only forward on this Bruins team to play the point during the power play. He’s still got a cannon of a shot and has the two-way hockey sense to be responsible on the back-end.Peverley didn’t belong there and Bergeron needed to be more on the half-wall.) You couldn’t really ask much more from Rolston. He gelled nicely on the third-line, provided a bunch of offense, veteran presence, and at times, was one of the best players of the night (see: Game 7 versus Washington) for the B’s.

Final Grade: A-

Tim’s Take:

Before coming to Boston — after a short and forgettable tenure in Long Island — many thought that Brian Rolston’s best days were behind him. While he may not be one of the more dynamic skaters in the game like he was during his first tenure with the Black and Gold, Rolston provided added depth and surprised many during the final 21 games of the 2011-12 season with 15 points in 21 games. Rolston provided a great presence on a line with Chris Kelly and Benoit Pouliot as the trio was arguably the best line for most of the series against the Caps. While the salary will dip a little for the 39-year old after making a little over $5 million the past few years, but he could still be making a decent buck as he hits the free agent market. And after a handful of games in his second tenure in the Hub of Hockey, it would be no surprise if Rolston dons the spoked B for another year.

Grade: B+

Anthony’s Analysis:

If you say you saw Rolston producing as much as he did in Boston, then you my friend are a liar. When thrown on a line with Chris Kelly and Beniot Pouliot, Rolston caught fire and became one of the better Boston Bruins down the stretch and throughout the playoffs. Like Mark said, I thought No. 12 was one of the better Bruins in Game 7. At 39 years old it’s obviously Rolston does not have much left in the tank. I think Rolston will sign a one-year-deal, just not here in Boston.

Anthony’s Grade: B+

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Boston Bruins report cards: No. 12 Brian Rolston

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