Jack Roslovic, the former Winnipeg Jet, has been connected with the Carolina Hurricanes amid a growing rivalry between the two teams in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL free agency market. This development comes shortly after Nikolaj Ehlers, another former Jet, joined the Hurricanes in July, intensifying the competitive relationship between Carolina and Winnipeg.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared details with Bleacher Report this week, revealing that while the Hurricanes remain interested in re-signing Roslovic, they currently lack a clear roster spot for him. Despite this, the connection between Roslovic and Carolina persists as free agency continues.
Roslovic’s NHL Performance Highlights and Market Status
Throughout this sluggish free agency season, Roslovic has carried the title of the “top available UFA” for over a month, with some unconfirmed interest reportedly coming from KHL teams abroad. Nevertheless, verifiable NHL offers have been scarce. Roslovic, 28, had a significant rebound last season when he matched his career-high goal output, scoring 22 times for Carolina after a disappointing total of nine goals in 59 games split between Columbus and New York in the previous year.
His performance last season demonstrated a notable turnaround, especially after signing a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Hurricanes in July. Although Carolina may value Roslovic as a middle-six forward with better goal-scoring ability than second-line center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, questions remain about his impact during the playoffs.
Playoff Role and Future Prospects for Roslovic
Roslovic’s postseason involvement was limited, as he was a healthy scratch for the first six playoff games, including the final three games of the Eastern Conference Final. In nine playoff contests, he registered one goal and three assists but saw a significant reduction in average ice time compared to the regular season. This limited playoff exposure leaves uncertainty about his ability to be a decisive player in crucial moments.
The Hurricanes, despite holding more than $10 million in available cap space, may be hesitant to commit to Roslovic if they seek a player who can consistently influence the game’s outcome at a higher level. Still, if top-tier NHL options do not emerge, Roslovic could serve as a viable alternative for Carolina.
Reportedly, Roslovic has multiple offers on the table but is not under immediate pressure to sign, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Implications of Roslovic’s Free Agency for Carolina and Winnipeg
The ongoing interest in Roslovic amid growing competition involving former Winnipeg figures illustrates the shifting dynamics between these NHL clubs. Securing or losing Roslovic could shape the Hurricanes’ depth scoring and add further narrative to the brewing rivalry with Winnipeg. As free agency progresses, Roslovic’s decision and the Hurricanes’ roster moves are expected to be closely monitored by both teams’ supporters and league observers alike.