The Toronto Maple Leafs have been heavily linked to free agent forward Jack Roslovic to fill a top-six role.
Roslovic is arguably the top free agent forward available, but has been linked to the Maple Leafs. However, Maple Leafs analyst Nick Alberga of Leafs Nation believes Toronto shouldn’t sign Roslovic as he doesn’t fill a need.
“I already see a scenario where they sign this guy and two weeks in, we are like, doesn’t fit with Knies and Matthews. What now for Jack Roslovic? Quite honestly, a good player, but this has been the story of his career,” Alberga said. “You start to wonder and have questions, the Carolina Hurricanes, one of the premier teams in the league, why didn’t they want Jack Roslovic anymore? Why hasn’t anyone bit?”
Roslovic remains unsigned after completing his one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Hurricanes. Although he can be a 20+ goal scorer, Alberga doesn’t think the fit is a good one with Toronto, as he was a scratch at times for the Hurricanes, which should be a worry for the Maple Leafs.
As well, if Roslovic can’t play on the top line, he plays very similarly to the other bottom-six forwards, which is why he isn’t needed for the Maple Leafs.
Roslovic recorded 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points in 81 games last season.
Insider Gives Update on Maple Leafs Signing Roslovic
Toronto has been heavily linked to Roslovic all offseason, and the ball is reportedly in the Maple Leafs’ court.
Maple Leafs’ insider James Mirtle of The Athletic believes it’s about a 50-50 chance Toronto signs Roslovic.
“I think this one is roughly 50-50 right now. But it sounds like the ball is in the Leafs’ court here, in that he’s interested in the opportunity,” Mirtle wrote. “And I don’t think it would cost a lot, in terms of dollars or term.”
Meanwhile, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said the Maple Leafs are trying to move money to make a move.
“I’ve heard there’s still a few teams looking at him. He’s the best available player remaining, and obviously, he hasn’t found anything he 100 percent likes,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts about Roslovic. “But there’s definitely a few teams poking around there. I’ve heard five or six, so he has to get to something he’s comfortable with. And, we know with Toronto, they’re trying to move money around.”
If Toronto is going to sign Roslovic, the Maple Leafs would have to trade the likes of Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, and David Kampf.
Roslovic Has Interest From KHL
If the Maple Leafs don’t sign Roslovic, he could go to Russia and sign in the KHL.
Dylan Griffing, a Russian hockey analyst for EliteProspects, revealed that some KHL teams have submitted offers for Roslovic.
“Multiple KHL clubs have made bids on UFA Jack Roslovic,” Griffing wrote.
Roslovic was selected 25th overall in 2015 by the Winnipeg Jets. He’s skated in 526 career NHL games, recording 102 points and 158 assists for 260 points.
Whether or not Roslovic will remain in the NHL and sign with the Maple Leafs or go to the KHL is to be seen.
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