Maple Leafs Linked To Free Agent Jack Roslovic, Could He Be A Fit In Toronto?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are still seeking offensive reinforcements following the departure of star forward Mitch Marner. While a trade seemed the most likely avenue for a replacement, recent talk suggests a compelling free agent option: Jack Roslovic, who shares a history with Leafs star Auston Matthews.

On the latest edition of the '32 Thoughts' podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman pondered the Leafs' interest in Roslovic.

“It makes sense to me because he has a history with Auston Matthews,” Friedman said. “   They played together at the US National Development Team, so I could see this connection. Roslovic is also a right-hand shot. You know he is a veteran. He’s been around a long time. Matthews obviously knows him. I’m curious to see if that happens.”

Roslovic, a Columbus, Ohio native, had 22 goals and 17 assists in 81 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was originally selected in the first round (25th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015 and has also had stops with his hometown Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers before joining the Hurricanes last season. In his career, he has accumulated 102 goals and 158 assists in 526 NHL games, along with three goals and 14 assists in 45 career playoff games.

With Nikolaj Ehlers recently signing a six-year, $51 million contract with the Hurricanes, a player like Roslovic has become the No. 1 target remaining on most people’s free agent lists at the forward position.

From an analytical perspective, Roslovic put up strong possession numbers during the regular season. However, a point of concern for a defensively-minded team like Toronto is that he was a healthy scratch for six of the Hurricanes’ 15 postseason games during their run to the Eastern Conference final. Given the Leafs’ focus on responsible defensive play, Roslovic’s reputation in that department is mixed, and it’s not clear if he would fit with what Toronto is trying to achieve from that perspective.

Roslovic can play wing and center, providing the Leafs with a lot of versatility. If the Leafs can’t find a fit on the right side, aligning him on the right side of Matthews could allow him to play to his offensive strengths while working on his defensive weaknesses.

Ultimately, any potential fit for Roslovic would come down to cost. He made $2.8 million last season and could be in line for a raise. For Toronto, it comes down to what they feel is fair value for the player, mixed with what they may find available on the trade market. Whether Roslovic becomes a Maple Leaf will depend on a blend of his potential fit, his asking price, and the alternative options available to the team.

The Leafs have $4,983,081 based on their roster of 23 players, according to PuckPedia.com. They have more than if you facto that they may move players, but less when you factor that Nick Robertson is heading to arbitration and in line for a raise from his $875k earned last season.