The Chicago Blackhawks are entering a critical year in their ongoing rebuild. This season could mark a step forward in building a playoff contender in the not-too-distant future. While the prospect of extending franchise center Connor Bedard looms over the club, the team must also focus on adding crucial support pieces.
One of those support pieces is the top remaining UFA heading into this season, Jack Roslovic. Roslovic’s name has bounced around the rumor mill this offseason. Various teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers have been linked to the 28-year-old as landing spots.
But why not the Blackhawks? Chicago has cap space to work with. The club has just under $17 million for this season, with the cap going up by about $9 million next year. That situation gives the club plenty of flexibility to sign Roslovic.
Now, a recent report emerged stating that Roslovic had passed on an offer by the Edmonton Oilers. Likely, the offer was a short-term one. That’s where the Blackhawks could cash in. Perhaps offering a deal in the three-to-four-year range could be something attractive to the former second-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
While the Blackhawks wouldn’t be backing up the Brinks truck for him, a solid multi-year deal could pay off for both sides. The Blackhawks get a decent middle-six forward, while Roslovic gets the stability he seems to covet.
Considering the Blackhawks’ need for reliable veteran depth, Roslovic could be just the guy to help push the Blackhawks’ rebuild to the next phase.
How Roslovic Fits into Blackhawks Lineup
The Blackhawks have their top two centers locked in with Bedard as the 1C and Frank Nazar as the 2C. But according to Daily Faceoff, Jason Dickinson projects as the 3C and captain Nick Foligno as the 4C.
That’s where Roslovic could provide a massive upgrade for the Blackhawks. He could easily slide in as the 3C, with Dickinson likely dropping to the 4C slot. As for Foligno, coach Jeff Blashill could deploy him on the wing. Perhaps moving him up to the third line with Roslovic and deploying Ilya Mikheyev on the fourth unit.
Best of all, adding Roslovic gives Chicago flexibility. That’s something crucial to keep in mind, especially when injuries play a role during the season.
Blackhawks fans should expect Roslovic to put up eye-popping point totals or headline the top power play unit. But fans could expect solid play from the veteran center.
Signing Roslovic Long-Term Could Be a Gamble
Yes, signing Jack Roslovic to a multi-year deal is a gamble. That’s a gamble all rebuilding teams take when they bring in veteran players to further their rebuild.
But then again, the Blackhawks will have several contracts coming off the books next summer. Dickinson, Mikheyev, Foligno, and Sam Lafferty are all slated to hit the market. The club will also have one more year left of Andre Burakovsky and Teuvo Teravainen.
That prospect signifies the Blackhawks may have to address future depth pieces now, before the market spikes next offseason. While Roslovic won’t compete with the McDavid’s of the world, teams missing out on the top free agents could circle back to players like Roslovic and potentially overpay.
Ultimately, the Blackhawks would be taking a measured gamble at this point. But it could be one that pays off down the line.
Blackhawks Could Speed up Rebuild with UFA Center