The Tampa Bay Lightning gave it their best shot, but forward Brian Rolston is going to unrestricted free agency.
Sources say Rolston informed the Lightning this morning that he would become an unrestricted free agent at 12 noon and see what the market will bear for his services.
That doesn't mean he won't sign with Tampa after 12 noon eastern, only that he will field offers from all teams interested and then make his decision.
Tampa had traded for Rolston's rights from the Minnesota Wild and hoped to take him out of free agency, but Rolston will test the waters.
The 35-year-old Flint, Michigan native has 12 NHL seasons under his belt with stints in New Jersey, Colorado, Boston and Minnesota.
Lightning management had hoped to add Rolston to their new look squad after adding both Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steve Stamkos in the NHL draft.
A 1st round, 11th overall draft selection by the Devils in 1991, Rolston's put up 286 goals and 348 assists in 977 NHL games played.