Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from us here at Last Word On Hockey. Today’s edition brings a surprising holdout from this year’s list of free agents. Jack Roslovic, who played 2024-25 with the Carolina Hurricanes, remains an unrestricted free agent. Let’s break down the situation, and see what could lay ahead.
NHL Rumours: Jack Roslovic Surprising Remains Unsigned
Rumour: Today’s suggests the type of term and money Roslovic is seeking. The guys on the Sekeres and Price Podcast, joined by Cam Robinson, has him a little over $3 million per year. Furthermore, it is thought he is seeking somewhere between a two-and-three year deal. It went on to suggest that the shorter the term, the more he could ask in monetary compensation. As the summer moves along, you’d have to believe the idea of term gets less-and-less.
Analysis: It is just a little surprising Roslovic remains unsigned. Nothing unfair on that ask, in terms of money. Maybe he is being very selective of his destination.
As it stands, Roslovic is one of the top remaining unsigned, unrestricted free agents. Moreover, if you go by 2024-25 salaries, among forwards who remain unsigned, only Robby Fabbri earned more than Roslovic. At 28-years-old, and the fact he plays centre, many teams are interested in Roslovic. Apparently it is coming down to a handful of teams at this point. One of the frontrunners are the Vancouver Canucks. However, teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils are interested as well.
Discussing Whether Roslovic Deserves the Money we are Referring
Statistically, Roslovic is a very desirable commodity. He played in 81 games for the Hurricanes last year. Furthermore, he tied a career high with 22 goals, and added 17 assists for 39 points. He won over 54% of the faceoffs he took. Also, he only played 13:49 a night, which is down only slightly from his career average of 14:12. Over all situations, his Corsi % Relative was 60.9 in 2024-25, and over 52 through his career. Finally, he had an impressive shooting percentage of 15.8 in the more recent NHL campaign, and is over 12% in his career.
As a depth centre, his offensive stats show efficiency. His faceoff win rate is strong, and allows him to play in many situations. It does seem, based on his stats, in an elevated role, he could perform better. If he has chemistry with his linemates, there’s no reason not to expect him to perform in a middle-six role. For the cost he is looking at, having him at 3C, isn’t bad value. If you could bump him up to 2C, with the right mix of skill and toughness, there’s no reason he can’t provide excellent value.
What’s the Bottom Line?
He’s played in big situations, and had 45 career playoff games under his belt. This includes the 2023-24 run with the New York Rangers, where he had eight points in 16 games. It is a bit unexpected that teams aren’t jumping at him.
It would seem like a missed opportunity if teams are using his faults against him. Yes, there are questions on his abilities against top-line players. However, as a 3C, he hasn’t shown any reason to let that hold him back. If it is his durability that is in question, let’s think back to 2018-19, when he was 22. Beginning that year, he’s played in over 70 games, five times. Once he didn’t reach that mark was the Covid-19 shortened schedule of 2020-21. The other? 2023-24, when he had that deep playoff run in The Big Apple.
Roslovic will sign somewhere soon. He will probably be given the reigns as a 3C. And he will succeed. The waiting? Just adds to the suspense.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
