As alluded to in the headline, there is only one pending UFA for the Blue Jackets right now, and that is Jack Roslovic. For those who may not know all of the lingo or what it means, generally when a player’s contract expires they become a ‘free agent’ and are usually referred to as ‘unrestricted’ or ‘restricted’. An unrestricted free agent can sign any contract with any team after the season is over. Oftentimes, in situations where a player is set to become a UFA, a team may trade them instead of losing them for nothing after the season is over.
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A former player for the under 18 Ohio Blue Jackets in his younger days, Jack Roslovic was originally acquired by the Blue Jackets from the Winnipeg Jets along with Patrik Laine for Pierre-Luc Dubois. Unfortunately, Roslovic’s trade value may be overlooked due to his stats for this year and being a UFA. He’s only been able to play 29 out of 52 games so far this season, with 3 goals and 8 assists. For the past two seasons, he acquired 45 and 44 points and last season was the team leader in assists with 33. In his first season in Columbus, he only played 48 games for them and gained 34 points for his highest point-per-game average at 0.7.
His stats may be a little less than normal this year, but there are several things Jack Roslovic can bring to the table that other teams may like. First is his passing. Roslovic did not get 33 assists by accident last season. Generally, Roslovic has played as a center forward and occasionally filled in at wing. Scoring goals himself may not be the first thing on his mind, but a player who can find openings and shuffle the puck to the goal scorers could prove valuable to a team making, or close to, a playoff run. Another positive for Roslovic is that he is experienced, which could help him fit onto another team a lot easier and more quickly. Jack Roslovic may be the depth forward a team could use.
The trade value may not be immense for Roslovic right now. Even if he were to recreate his best year with the Blue Jackets, because he’s a UFA at the end of this season, the Blue Jackets may accept a cheaper offer. Some potential offers may be in the form of future draft picks, future considerations, or other more minor players. Many teams may not want to do a 1 to 1 player trade if they are getting close to the playoffs. Jack Roslovic’s current cap hit is $4 million, making him the third highest-paid forward on the Blue Jackets. A new contract will be needed after this season and he and his agent may be looking for a similar or bigger future contract.
Where Could Roslovic End Up?
The Detroit Redwings currently have a 51.1% chance of making the playoffs, according to moneypuck.com. Detroit may need to fortify their defense a little more or add to their top two lines, but there could be room for an experienced depth forward if the price is right. Adding a fresh face to the lineup and someone who passes like Roslovic could help Detroit in their push for the playoffs.
Another team on the hunt is the Edmonton Oilers. It’s been rumored that the Oilers were looking for goaltending help they also may be looking to add depth to become less “top-heavy”. Much of their production relies upon Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. These five players have scored 113 of the team’s 175 goals so far this season. Edmonton is a fairly strong team with a 98% chance of making the playoffs, but Jack Roslovic could help provide the Oilers with some much-needed depth.
The Carolina Hurricanes may be looking for a defenseman right now, but they could also use some experienced help in the middle or bottom six. Also having a 98% chance of making the playoffs, the vast majority of the Cane’s points from their center forwards come from Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas. Those two are doing great, but there could be better production in the bottom two lines.
The last team I’m going to opine on is the Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s a familiar face to Roslovic on the Leafs that could use some help at center, and that’s his former teammate Max Domi. Domi’s natural position is on the wing, but he’s been moved to center this year. While he has 20 assists, his goal-scoring has not been what it once was. There is also a sharp decline in player’s points after the top five Leafs are accounted for. Roslovic could be a cheap pick-up for the Leafs, and they could then push Domi back to the wing. This move could help spread the points around a little bit more by giving Domi a chance to score more and Roslovic a chance to create chances and get assists.
