The Detroit Red Wings have made some interesting additions this off-season. John Gibson is the most notable, as he should provide more stability between the pipes. They also added to their forward depth, signing Mason Appleton and James van Riemsdyk.
Yet, when looking at the Red Wings’ roster, they could use another skilled forward. The free agent market offers a very intriguing one in forward Jack Roslovic.
Roslovic spent this past season with the Carolina Hurricanes, posting 39 points in 81 games. With numbers like these, he would be a solid player for the Red Wings to add to their forward group.
Roslovic Is Best Free Agent Forward Left
If the Red Wings want to improve their forward group, Roslovic is the player they should target. The 28-year-old has shown throughout his career that he produces solid secondary offense, and the Red Wings could undoubtedly use more of that.
In an article last month for ESPN, Greg Wyshynski ranked Roslovic as the best unrestricted free agent (UFA) forward still available for the taking.
“Easily the most tantalizing player left in free agency. Roslovic played 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, generating 22 goals and 17 assists in 13:49 of average ice time,” Wyshynski wrote. “His goal total matched his career high he set with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020-21.”
With the Red Wings needing more scoring, taking a shot on Roslovic would be worth it. This is especially so when noting that he has scored at least 20 goals and recorded at least 44 points twice in his career.
Roslovic Would Improve Red Wings’ Forward Group
When taking a look at the Red Wings’ current projected lineup, Roslovic would certainly give their top nine a nice boost. Due to his versatility, he could work well on their third line at either center or right wing. In either scenario, Detroit’s forward group would get a boost by adding Roslovic.
Furthermore, due to his offensive skill, Roslovic would give the Red Wings another clear option for their second power-play unit if signed. This would not be a bad thing, as the Red Wings’ second power-play unit could use a bit of an upgrade.
Ultimately, with the Red Wings looking to end their playoff drought, they should be aiming to improve their forward group. Signing Roslovic, the top UFA still on the market, would certainly do just that.
Red Wings Have the Money to Sign Roslovic
A major reason why Roslovic remains a free agent is that he is waiting for the right offer. When looking at the Red Wings’ current salary cap situation, they would have no trouble reaching his asking price.
The Red Wings are in an excellent spot right now financially. According to PuckPedia, Detroit has just under $12 million of cap space. They also do not have any more restricted free agents (RFA) to sign. Thus, they are in a prime position to add an intriguing player like Roslovic to their roster.
Overall, with the Red Wings having cap space and needing forward help, they should strongly pursue Roslovic while he’s still available. He could be the last piece of the puzzle that helps them break their playoff drought.
Red Wings Must Sign Best Free Agent Now