Jack Roslovic, a former forward for the New York Rangers and previously with the Columbus Blue Jackets, has found a new home in the Metropolitan Division for the upcoming NHL season. He recently inked a one-year contract worth $2.8 million with the Carolina Hurricanes, marking his third team in the division.
Despite waiting several days into free agency to secure a deal, Roslovic agreed to a notable pay cut compared to his previous contract. His prior deal with the Blue Jackets, signed in June 2022, boasted an average annual value of $4 million over two years.
Eric Tulsky, the Hurricanes’ general manager, expressed optimism about Roslovic’s potential impact, highlighting his dynamic playmaking abilities and history as an offensive contributor throughout his career. Tulsky emphasized that Roslovic’s addition will inject speed, skill, and versatility into Carolina’s forward lineup, potentially slotting him into a pivotal top-six role.
Throughout his NHL tenure spanning multiple teams including the Rangers, Blue Jackets, and Winnipeg Jets, Roslovic has shown flashes of scoring prowess. However, consistency has been an ongoing challenge, illustrated by his fluctuating production and failure to surpass 20 goals in any single season, apart from a notable 22-goal campaign with the Blue Jackets in 2021-22.
Roslovic’s stint with the Rangers during the 2023-24 season provided mixed results. Acquired just before the NHL trade deadline, he initially showed promise with eight points (three goals, five assists) in 19 regular-season games. Positioned predominantly on the top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, Roslovic struggled to capitalize on the opportunity, ultimately slipping down to the fourth line by the postseason’s conclusion.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however, Roslovic began strongly with points in each of the first five games, including pivotal power-play goals during the first round against the Washington Capitals. Despite this early success, his productivity waned as the postseason progressed, culminating in a modest total of eight points (two goals, six assists) across 16 playoff games as the Rangers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final by the Florida Panthers.
The Rangers’ decision not to aggressively pursue Roslovic’s re-signing underscored their strategic shift to seek a better fit alongside Zibanejad and Kreider for the upcoming season. Instead, they acquired veteran forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins, positioning him as a likely candidate for the top-line right wing role. Additionally, prospects Brennan Othmann, Will Cuylle, and potentially Kaapo Kakko will compete for spots during training camp, signaling a commitment to fostering internal growth.
Roslovic’s move to Carolina positions him as a probable top-nine forward, with potential for further advancement into the top-six, depending on his performance and team dynamics. His signing adds to a wave of middle-six forward acquisitions by the Hurricanes in free agency, including William Carrier, Tyson Jost, and Eric Robinson. However, Carolina faces challenges following the departure of key players such as Teuvo Teravainen to the Chicago Blackhawks and the uncertain future of Martin Necas, who has requested a trade amid arbitration discussions.
Moreover, the Hurricanes have addressed defensive gaps left by departing players like Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei by securing Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker through free agency.
Jack Roslovic’s transition to the Hurricanes signifies a fresh start in his career, aiming to rejuvenate his scoring potential and contribute meaningfully to Carolina’s ambitions in the competitive Metropolitan Division. As he embarks on this new chapter, the Hurricanes anticipate leveraging his offensive capabilities while navigating the evolving landscape of their roster ahead of the upcoming NHL season.
