The Toronto Maple Leafs have kept a relatively quiet profile in this offseason, yet rumors continue to swirl around their next key signing. With the recent trade of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the team is under pressure to add depth and secondary scoring to support captain Auston Matthews. One name gaining traction is Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic, a player whose blend of offensive skill and versatility could fill a critical role.
Roslovic, 26, recorded 22 goals last season with the Hurricanes and offers flexibility as both a winger and a center. Despite some defensive inconsistencies last year, his offensive upside makes him an attractive candidate for the Leafs. NHL insider James Mirtle from The Athletic notes that the Maple Leafs are “about 50-50” in pursuit of Roslovic, with the ball firmly in Toronto’s court.
Adding Roslovic could address the Maple Leafs’ ongoing need for scoring beyond their top stars. As the team reshapes around Matthews, this signing might also trigger roster moves that free up salary cap space and streamline the forward group to improve overall depth.
Roslovic’s fit with the Maple Leafs
According to Mirtle, if the Leafs sign Roslovic, he would likely slot into the third line, providing much-needed secondary scoring. Roslovic’s versatility allows him to play center or wing, an asset in different situations during the season.
Mirtle explains, “He scored 22 goals for Carolina last year but fell out of favor as the season wore on in part due to defensive lapses. I think this one is roughly 50-50 right now, but it sounds like the ball is in the Leafs’ court. He’s interested in the opportunity, and it wouldn’t cost much in terms of dollars or term.”
This potential signing could also make players such as David Kampf expendable, which would help the Leafs manage their salary cap more effectively. Removing Kampf’s $2.4 million cap hit and reallocating funds towards Roslovic would create additional flexibility for the team.
Cap space and future outlook
The Maple Leafs currently have just over $4.9 million in cap space, which general manager Brad Treliving has expressed willingness to spend on the right additions. Treliving recently commented, “We would’ve liked to use that earlier today. But if there’s not the right fit to use it on, we will take the flexibility.”
Toronto’s front office is balancing the urgency of adding offensive depth with maintaining room for future moves, including potential additions alongside Matthews and further adjustments in the forward lines.
SURVEY What impact will Jack Roslovic have if signed by the Maple Leafs?
What impact will Jack Roslovic have if signed by the Maple Leafs?
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If Roslovic joins the Maple Leafs, he won’t replace the impact of Mitch Marner, but his secondary scoring and adaptability could be crucial to the team’s success as they pursue a deeper playoff run in the coming NHL seasons.