Jack Roslovic, a former New York Rangers forward, will join his third Metropolitan Division team next season after signing a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $2.8 million. This new deal represents a significant pay cut for Roslovic, who previously had a two-year, $8 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, averaging $4 million annually.
Roslovic, 27, had to wait several days from the start of free agency before securing this contract. His recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency, with his production declining during his stints with both the New York Rangers and the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. However, the Carolina Hurricanes see potential in Roslovic and are likely to utilize him in a top-six forward role in the upcoming season.
Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed optimism about Roslovic’s addition to the team, describing him as a dynamic player with a history of offensive contributions. Tulsky emphasized that Roslovic’s right-handed playmaking ability, combined with his speed and skill, would be a valuable asset to the Hurricanes’ forward lineup.
Despite his potential, Roslovic has struggled to consistently translate it into high production throughout his career. Over seven NHL seasons with the Rangers, Blue Jackets, and Winnipeg Jets, he has only surpassed the 20-goal mark once, scoring 22 goals with the Blue Jackets during the 2021-22 season. In other seasons, his goal-scoring has been more modest, never exceeding 12 goals.
The Rangers acquired Roslovic just before the 2024 NHL trade deadline. In the 19 games he played for them, he managed eight points, with three goals and five assists. Positioned primarily as the top line right wing alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, Roslovic did not fully capitalize on the opportunity.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Roslovic started strong, earning a point in each of the first five games, including two power-play goals in the first-round series against the Washington Capitals. However, his performance waned as the playoffs progressed. He contributed three assists for the remainder of the postseason, including two in the decisive Game 6 of the second round against the Hurricanes.
By the time the Rangers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final by the Florida Panthers in six games, Roslovic had been relegated to the fourth line. He concluded the postseason with eight points from two goals and six assists over 16 games.
The Rangers showed little interest in re-signing Roslovic, instead focusing on finding a more fitting player to pair with Zibanejad and Kreider. They ultimately traded for veteran forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins, indicating their strategic shift away from Roslovic.
Roslovic’s move to the Hurricanes represents a new chapter and an opportunity to reinvigorate his career. Carolina, known for its emphasis on speed and offensive play, might offer the environment he needs to rediscover his scoring touch and consistency. The Hurricanes are hopeful that Roslovic can tap into his potential and become a significant contributor to their forward group, potentially exceeding the production levels he achieved in his past seasons.
