The Montreal Canadiens could take advantage of the contractual situation of a very interesting forward to cover their offensive needs.
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports that Jack Roslovic expects a long and lucrative contract after a solid season with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he scored 22 goals and had 17 assists. However, the offers the Columbus native has received have been modest, for two to three years, at $3.5 million to $3.75 million per year.
“That’s why so many players, frankly, sign on July 1st or 2nd because after those first couple days, generally speaking, it gets quiet, and the money, again, generally speaking, goes down,” Johnston said.
“You’re hoping something better is going to come along, but July 1st becomes July 4th becomes July 10th, then you get into August, and the offers that Jack Roslovic is getting are lower. And that’s because I believe the money got spent on other players. Those offers that were there for him at the start of free agency dry up,” he added.
Jack Roslovic is a perfect fit for the Montreal Canadiens’ needs
Therefore, the bet by Roslovic, 28, to wait for better offers has not worked. But another team could appear: the Canadiens.
Montreal has doubts about its offensive depth, especially at center. Alex Newhook, Jake Evans and Joe Veleno, while good players, lack the elite level needed for the playoffs.
This need from the Canadiens, and Roslovic’s recent agent change, could be signs of a potential agreement. The forward’s profile fits perfectly with Montreal’s need, as he’s a center with goal-scoring and faceoff-winning ability.
The Canadiens could and should take advantage of Roslovic’s situation to reinforce their second line at a reduced price, allowing them to better distribute ice time and the offensive load. Montreal would also benefit by reducing pressure on prospects like Kirby Dach and facilitating their development in a more balanced environment.