Jack Roslovic didn’t really get off to a good start this season for the Oilers. Given his late start to the season, there were some questions about how quickly he would get back on track. But as assistant coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters, Roslovic has turned that uncertainty into something real for the team.
“Jack has been a great asset,” Knoblauch said. “He came in late, missed the start, missed training camp and it always takes time to get your legs under you. But it didn’t take him much time at all. For him to score at that pace was quite remarkable.”
Roslovic’s numbers support Knoblauch’s praise
The numbers support Knoblauch’s praise. Roslovic scored again last night against the Winnipeg Jets and now has 11 goals and 19 points in just 27 games this season. Missing the first eleven games and jumping straight into the lineup is solid work for a guy who should have been more of a depth player than a headline maker.
What stands out most is his secondary score. Edmonton relies heavily on its stars to fuel the offense, but secondary scoring was a major need. Roslovic has taken on that role. His scoring keeps the Oilers’ top lines off the board. He is the perfect balance. “That has been the biggest boost for us,” Knoblauch noted. “The team needed that, and it was delivered.”
Roslović’s return from injury happened at the perfect time
Roslović’s return from long-term injured reserve also came at a time of roster reshuffling. Connor Clattenburg moved to LTIR due to an eye injury, and Quinn Hutson was loaned to Bakersfield, opening the door for Roslovic to fit back in seamlessly. The timing couldn’t have been better: He immediately became a factor in the Oilers’ lineup and has contributed in all the ways the coaching staff had hoped.
Knoblauch’s message was simple: Roslovic may have missed part of the season, but if he plays, he will make a difference. Scoring, work ethic, seamless fit: he has quietly become a key figure for Edmonton.
Roslovic adds depth to an Oilers team that needs it
The special thing about a player like Roslovic is that he adds balance and depth, and the rest of the team knows that there is someone behind them when the big stars get into trouble. For the Oilers, that kind of reliability could make all the difference down the road.
Roslovic has become an indispensable piece for the Oilers.
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