The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2025-26 season with the mission to solidify their offense and finally make the leap that brings them closer to the Stanley Cup. Auston Matthews remains the team’s top figure and leader, heading a roster that aims to balance experience and youth to maintain a high competitive level in the NHL. Along those lines, a former Carolina Hurricanes free agent is highly sought after and remains on their radar.
In recent months, Toronto has shown interest in strengthening their lineup with versatile players who can make an offensive impact. Meanwhile, teams like the Hurricanes continue to position themselves as serious contenders, raising the bar when it comes to trade demands. The competition in the league is intensifying, and the Leafs don’t want to fall behind.
In this context, the name Jack Roslovic has gained traction as one of the most coveted free agents, with Toronto among the teams linked to his potential signing, seeing him as a replacement for Mitch Marner and a linemate for Matthews. However, in recent hours, negotiations appear to have stalled.
Obstacles in a potential Roslovic signing
Leafs insider Charlie McAfee from Hockey Patrol stated that the lack of progress in negotiations with Roslovic is mainly due to the team’s salary cap restrictions. The Maple Leafs have just $1.92 million in cap space after re-signing Nicholas Robertson.
Roslovic’s expected salary is around $3 million per year, and he is a highly sought-after target by multiple franchises. In this scenario, Toronto’s management must act quickly to clear cap space or risk losing a potential star reinforcement.
Roslovic’s situation
At 28 years old, Roslovic has completed his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes and has yet to finalize his future. Teams such as the Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Washington Capitals have expressed interest in signing him, but nothing has been decided during this offseason.