The NHL offseason is soon to enter its final stretch and unrestricted free agent (UFA) Jack Roslovic remains unsigned. However, it might not be for long. As recent reports around the league hinted, Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs are lurking. But Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks might be looking to spoil the fun in Toronto.
After a career-year with the Carolina Hurricanes, forward Jack Roslovic headed into free agency as one of the most sought-after skaters However, months have passed and the centerman’s camp has yet to put pen to paper on a new NHL contract.
Matthews and the Maple Leafs could really use Roslovic. After trading Mitch Marner to Las Vegas, the Buds’ top-six is missing a purebred goal scorer. Coming off a 22-tally season, Roslovic could fill that void. Still, acquiring the 28-year-old won’t be easy, whatsoever.
Decisions, decisions
Not only because the Leafs are in a bit of a pickle cap-wise, but because another suitor is emerging in Western Canada. More specifically in British Columbia, where Pettersson and the Canucks have a severe urge for forwards who can play in the middle of the ice. As things stand, the sweepstakes for Roslovic are shaping up to be a battle between the cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
“People seem to wonder is Toronto the fit [for Roslovic]? Particularly, with some of the production in goals the Leafs have lost. I could see that happening,” Frank Seravalli said on Insider Notebook. “But we know Toronto’s cap situation is still going to be tight.
“I think Roslovic deserves to be paid after the year he had. The question is how much? Be curious about another team: the Vancouver Canucks, that would make a lot of sense for Roslovic, as well.”
Nothing done yet, but watch out
While some rumors around the league hinted Roslovic and his camp had a new contract all but signed, Seravalli refused that argument. However, it can’t be ruled out something gets done in the upcoming days.
“There seem to be some thought out there, some whisper that Roslovic has a deal in place somewhere. Checked in multiple fronts, and I’m told the Roslovic camp does not have a deal in place anywhere, but they’re getting closer,” Seravalli said.
Headed for the exit in Raleigh
If the Hurricanes were to re-sign the forward they wouldn’t face any scrutiny—on the contrary it’d make perfect sense. However, the Canes currently have no place for Roslovic in the lineup.
“For Carolina and Roslovic, the door isn’t completely closed, but they don’t really have a spot for him at the moment. So you can probably cross off the Carolina Hurricanes on the list,” Seravalli concluded.
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Carolina made its plans for the future clear after extending Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $40.94 million deal. Such a commitment signaled the Hurricanes had no intention of re-signing Roslovic. The writing was already on the wall for his time in Raleigh. This extension only made it more obvious.