Top 5 Players To Build An NHL Franchise Around

If you had to pick one player under the age of 23 to start your NHL franchise with, who would it be? TSN just wrapped up this pretty cool "competition" on their website a couple days ago labeled "Franchise Faceoff" and I figured I would share my Top 5 Rankings:

Devils trade Brian Rolston to Islanders for Trent Hunter

On the first day of free agency in 2008, the Devils took a gamble on one of their former players, Brian Rolston, signing him to a 4-year/$20+ million contract, which also included a full no-trade clause.  In his three previous seasons in Minnesota, Rolston had eclipsed 30 goals in each of them, however the veteran winger struggled in his return to New Jersey, scoring just one point more (32) than he had goals (31) in his final season in Minnesota.  Rolston reached 20 goals just once in his three seasons back in New Jersey, and today, general manager Lou Lamoriello has traded the winger to the Islanders in exchange for Trent Hunter.

Hunter's season was limited to just 17 games last season due to an MCL injury that required surgery.  This move brings the Islanders closer to the salary cap floor, while clearing cap space for the Devils, who still need to sign Zach Parise.  The Islanders are still about $5 million below the cap floor, but Rolston's $5.062 million cap hit brings them closer.  Rolston did waive his no-trade clause to complete the trade.

Zach Parise's arbitration case is scheduled for August 3rd.  That would likely complete the Devils' 2011-12 roster.