The Edmonton Oilers have added a new piece to their forward group, signing Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. After a summer of speculation and waiting, the former first-round pick has landed in a situation that presents both a significant opportunity and a considerable challenge. For the Oilers, this is a low-risk, potentially high-reward gamble on a player with a unique combination of speed, skill, and a burning motivation to prove his worth. For Roslovic, it’s a chance to re-establish his value on a contending team.
A Need for Speed
One of the defining characteristics of the modern NHL is speed, and in this regard, Roslovic is a seamless fit for the Oilers. Edmonton’s game is built on a quick, transition-based attack, and Roslovic’s skating ability will only enhance this strength. He possesses what scouts have described as “great wheels,” an attribute backed up by hard data. Last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, he reached a top skating speed of 22.89 mph, placing him in the 80th percentile of all NHL skaters. Furthermore, his 518 bursts between 18-20 mph (78th percentile) and 138 bursts of 20-22 mph (85th percentile) demonstrate his ability to consistently play at a high pace. His smooth, seemingly effortless stride allows him to generate speed quickly, making him a threat off the rush and in the neutral zone. This ability to push the pace will be a welcome addition to the Oilers’ middle-six.
More Than Just a Speedster
Beyond his skating, Roslovic brings a solid offensive toolkit. With good size and an above-average shot, he has the raw skills to be a productive scorer. Interestingly, he is more of a playmaker than a pure goal-scorer, with a tendency to look for the pass first. This could be a boon for his linemates, as his ability to create space with his speed and then distribute the puck could lead to high-quality scoring chances. He is also known for his commitment to fitness, a crucial trait for any player looking to make an impact in the demanding Western Conference.
Production and Value
At a cap hit of just $1.5 million, the Oilers are getting a player who has consistently produced at a 40-point pace throughout his career. In 526 NHL games, Roslovic has tallied 102 goals and 158 assists for 260 points. Last season, he potted 22 goals and added 17 assists for 39 points in 81 games with the Hurricanes, all while averaging a modest 13:49 of ice time per game. This efficiency is a key part of his value proposition.
What makes Roslovic particularly intriguing for the Oilers is his proficiency at even-strength. Of his 22 goals last season, 21 came at even-strength. His 19 goals at 5-on-5 actually led the Hurricanes, surpassing the likes of Sebastian Aho. To put that in perspective, Connor McDavid had 17 even-strength goals last season. While no one is suggesting Roslovic is in the same stratosphere as McDavid, his ability to score at 5-on-5 addresses a specific need for an Oilers team that can, at times, rely heavily on its power play.
The “Prove-Me” Deal and a Perfect Fit
After being unsigned into the first week of the regular season, Roslovic is on a mission to prove that he belongs among the league’s top-nine forwards. This one-year contract is the quintessential “prove-me deal,” and the Oilers are hoping to be the beneficiaries of his heightened motivation. His comments after signing, citing the “opportunity to win” and the feeling of being “wanted,” suggest a player who is eager to embrace his new role.
General Manager Stan Bowman’s public praise of Roslovic indicates that the organization has a clear plan for him. While he’s a right-shot who has played center in the past, his career faceoff percentage of 44.4% makes him a better fit on the wing. He is expected to slot into a second or third-line role, providing the kind of consistent middle-six production that can be the difference between a good team and a great one. The low AAV makes this a “worthwhile bet” on a player with undeniable talent.
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The Other Side of the Coin
Of course, there are reasons why a player of Roslovic’s caliber was available in October. Throughout his nine-year career, which has now spanned five organizations, there have been persistent concerns about his defensive game and overall consistency. His analytics are often underwhelming, and he finished last season with a team-worst minus-10 rating with the Hurricanes. While the Oilers won’t be expecting him to be a shutdown forward, he will need to demonstrate a greater commitment to his play without the puck to earn the trust of the coaching staff.
Another red flag is his playoff performance. In 45 career NHL playoff games, Roslovic has yet to score an even-strength goal. When the games get tougher and the checking gets tighter, his impact has historically diminished. This was evident last spring when he was a healthy scratch for six of the Hurricanes’ 15 postseason contests. For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations like the Oilers, this is a legitimate concern. The criticism that he doesn’t always take the puck to the “hard areas” is something he will need to overcome to be an effective playoff performer.
The Final Verdict
The signing of Jack Roslovic is a calculated risk by the Oilers, but one that is well worth taking. The potential rewards far outweigh the minimal financial commitment. If Roslovic can harness his speed and skill, and play with the motivation of a player on a one-year deal, he could be one of the shrewdest signings of the season. If he struggles to find his footing, the Oilers can move on with little long-term consequence. For now, this is an intriguing addition that makes the Oilers a faster, deeper, and more dangerous team. The rest is up to Roslovic.
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