The Edmonton Oilers are turning over a new leaf. Gone are the days of being fleeced on trades. Today are the days of trading for rentals that convert to long-term investments, like Trent Frederic and Jake Walman. These are also the days of smart contracts, from Connor McDavid taking an impressive discount to keep the team competitive, to an aging Mattias Ekholm taking a pay cut to round out his career in Edmonton.
The most recent contract signed in Edmonton was that of forward Jack Roslovic. The newcomer should bring even-strength goal-scoring in addition to speed. This deal has two outcomes, both of which are advantageous for the Oilers.
Finding good help for a playoff team can be difficult at times. Recently, the Oilers have struck gold with in-season signings of Evander Kane and Corey Perry. Roslovic looks to add his name to that list.
Roslovic, 28, was initially drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015. He played games for the Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Carolina Hurricanes before coming to the Oilers. Last year for the Hurricanes, he recorded 22 goals, 17 assists, and 39 points while averaging 13:49 per game. The forward finished the season with 81 games played.
Of his 22 goals scored, 21 of them came at even strength. This is key, as the Oilers don’t have many open spots on their powerplay. Roslovic finished last year tied for first on the Hurricanes in even-strength goals with Sebastian Aho.
On Tuesday, October 14, Roslovic practiced with the Oilers’ top six ahead of their game against the Rangers. He was on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Matt Savoie. If the team plays a few games like this and realizes they are better off with him alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, I’d expect them to make that change quickly.
Paying a 20+ goal scorer $1.5 million for one season is not bank-breaking by any stretch. However, it’s a great price to pay for a player who could be a long-term fit on the team, especially given his age.
The other way that the Roslovic saga can play out in Edmonton is that the forward ends up not being a fit. If that is the case, they won’t be stuck with a player who isn’t working out.
The handy thing about Roslovic’s contract is that it changes on November 1st, 2025. The contract will change from having a no-movement clause to a four-team trade list. These will be the teams that Roslovic will accept a trade to.
With many potential destinations, it opens up the Oilers’ options. They could trade Roslovic to open up the cap space and make a separate deal to acquire an upgrade. They can also trade directly with the team that possesses the player they think is a better fit.
Or, as a third option, the Oilers could broker a three-team trade to acquire the perfect fit for their team.
No matter which way this goes, the Oilers are in a win-win situation.
