The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in retaining Jack Roslovic, but how much it will cost – and whether it is worth it – has been a topic of discussion in media circles in recent days.
Fans and some analysts have tried to predict what Roslović’s next contract would be worth if the two sides were to come to an agreement and sign an extension before free agency.
Rumors suggest Roslovic could be looking for something in the neighborhood of $6 million per season on a three-year deal, and could potentially command as much as $6.5 million per year with trade protection attached. That’s a huge jump from his current $1.5 million cap hit, and not everyone is convinced it makes sense. Ryan Rishaug suggests this will be the going rate if Roslovic continues to produce, but Oilers Now plays host Bob Stauffer has already done that hinted that the number might not be that high.
Considering that Roslovic would have to take a discount to stay in Edmonton, and that he fired his agent and went through a difficult process of finding a team to acquire him this past summer, he might be open to a deal somewhere where he feels comfortable and wanted.
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But even a discounted version of that deal would force Edmonton to make some tough decisions.
Roslovic is a great fit for the Oilers
On the ice, Roslovic was a great asset for the Oilers. He was one of Edmonton’s more productive forwards this season, ranking fifth among Oilers forwards with 12 goals and 20 points in 31 games. Before his injury, he was thriving in a top-six role, even without much time on the first power play unit. Now that he’s healthy, he’s being tested as a third-line center — a role that Edmonton has struggled to stabilize for years. The line, centered around Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie, has speed, skill and looks legitimately dangerous.
His performance in the playoffs will determine his next contract
Yet the real question has not yet been answered. As Ryan Rishaug put it bluntly: “How will Roslovic fare when things get real in the playoffs?” That’s the real metric the Oilers are most concerned about. Not just for themselves, but because Roslović’s play-off history is being called into question.
Paying more than $6 million for a third-line center only works if that player drives play, gains heavy minutes and produces when games heat up. In Carolina, his former coach, Rob Brind’Amour, decided to give Roslovic a healthy scratch. The hint here is that he didn’t work hard enough or not at all during crunch time.
Cheaper in-house options are coming to Edmonton, and ceiling flexibility remains an issue with contracts that are difficult to move. The Oilers may like Roslovic, but the playoffs will decide if they will need him at his rumored asking price.
Right now, the power is in Edmonton’s hands – and it would be wise to wait.
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