Top Remaining Free Agent Jack Roslovic Linked to Central Div. Contender

He is, by far, the top offensive player still remaining on the unrestricted free agent market, and center Jack Roslovic has a number of suitors said to be interested in his services.

Coming off his second 20-goal season, with 22 in addition to 17 assists and 39 points in 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes, the bottom-six slick skater with good hands and excellent puck control has now been linked to the Colorado Avalanche.

Brennan Vogt of Hockey Mountain High suggests that Roslovic would be a perfect add for the Avs as a third-line center.

(He) would... add speed to the line, which will lack while Logan O’Connor recovers from surgery. This would also allow for Ross Colton to play on the wing as well.
Roslovic’s puck-moving skills would go great with Colton, who has excelled rushing out of the zone and crashing the net.
Colorado could pursue Roslovic for about $3 million. They would still have some salary to work with for call-ups and assuming O’Connor goes on long-term injured reserve.

Vogt adds that the only drawback to this would be Roslovic's inattention to defense. He has a career minus-37 rating. But the analyst opines that the Avs' strong blueline could help alleviate that defensive issue.

Roslovic's unsigned status is puzzling, given the paucity of centers available and the overwhelming demand for them around the league. It doesn't sound like his camp is over-asking on a contract, as Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects reports that they are looking for a two or three-year deal at an AAV of just over $3 million.

What AAV will UFA Jack Roslovic land on free agent market?

AFP Analytics had pegged the 28-year-old to be in line for a three-year deal at $4.1 million annually. But with most teams having done all their heavy lifting in the first week of free agency, they might not be looking to spend between $3M and $4M on a third-line option at this point.

But for a guy who lit the lamp 22 times in just 13:49 average ice time a night, and set a career-high with a 54% faceoff win percentage, it's only a matter of time before he finds a new home.

The Vancouver Canucks are another team said to have interest in the former first-rounder (25th overall, 2015 NHL Draft).