The Edmonton Oilers have long searched for a veteran forward who can consistently produce alongside superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Many have tried, and most have failed. But a new name is now emphatically bucking that trend: Jack Roslovic.
From Unsigned to Unstoppable
Roslovic's journey to this point was far from certain. After going unsigned throughout the entire summer and missing training camp, the forward, now on his fifth NHL team, finally agreed to a one-year "show-me" contract with the Oilers worth $1.5 million. The Oilers had initially offered him a deal on July 1, but were initially turned down by Roslovic's camp.
The slow start to the regular season, having missed camp, seemed to confirm doubts. In his first seven games, Roslovic managed just a single assist. However, the narrative has completely flipped.
A Star Turn in Edmonton
In a remarkable surge, Roslovic has recorded five goals and five assists for ten points in his last nine games. This offensive outburst is exactly what the Oilers have been craving from a supporting cast member.
Even more impressive, Roslovic has proven to be a clutch performer, scoring the overtime-winning goal in two consecutive games. This level of production is a stark contrast to the struggles experienced by previous veteran acquisitions like Milan Lucic, Andreas Athanasiou, and Jeff Skinner in the McDavid/Draisaitl era.
Proving His Worth on a Bargain Deal
Roslovic's current performance is making his contract look like one of the biggest bargains in the league. His resurgence is particularly notable given that he ranked 65th in even-strength scoring among all regular NHL forwards last season while with the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that ultimately decided not to re-sign him.
Now, with the Edmonton Oilers, Jack Roslovic isn't just showing he belongs; he's showing he can be a difference-maker. His ability to defy the odds and produce at a high level is a welcome development for a team with championship aspirations, proving that sometimes the best moves are the ones that require a little patience.
