With the Mar. 21 trade deadline fast approaching, the consensus around the NHL is that the Columbus Blue Jackets are likely to be sellers, to one degree or another.
On Tuesday, our own Will Chase examined the future of impending free agent Max Domi, perhaps one of the two Blue Jackets most likely to be dealt at the deadline. The other would be Jack Roslovic; what does the forecast look like for the Columbus native?
Roslovic came over in the middle of last season in the PLD-Laine trade after having not played at all last season, up to the point he was traded. He got off to a hot start with ten points in his first ten games, and while he cooled off as the season progressed, he finished with a respectable 34 points in 48 games.
At only 24 years old coming into this season, the expectation was that the centerman could build off last year and solidify himself as a key piece of the franchise moving forward. So far this season, it has not worked out that way as Roslovic's effort has been lacking at times and he has regressed to the tune of 26 points in 56 games. Furthermore, due to his inconsistencies, he has seen his ice time drop over four and half minutes a game from last year.
Even when he has been able to get on the board, he has also had some key errors this year, such as the recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he had a goal and an assist as well as a bad mistake in covering Sydney Crosby on the controversial game-winning goal.
Blue Jackets have been rumored to be shopping Roslovic since mid-January, the thinking is that they would rather flip him for an asset or two than try to resign the restricted free agent in the offseason.
As to where Roslovic might end up, if not in a Blue Jackets uniform, that is still very much a mystery. From a matching what they might be looking for standpoint, there are a few teams to look out for: among them are these three.
New York Rangers:
The Rangers should be looking to add at least one forward by the time the trade deadline comes. Roslovic's versatility in being able to play both right wing and center should be appealing to them. And given the fact that one of their primary needs is a middle-six forward, they may just reach out to Columbus in the next few weeks.
Edmonton Oilers:
The Oilers are very top-heavy and could therefore use a third-line center. Roslovic could definitely fill that hole. He would be a steal as a third-liner if he were able to be rejuvenated with the pressure off and replicate the offensive success he had last year after being traded to the Blue Jackets. He currently only counts $1.8 million against the cap so Edmonton wouldn't have much trouble finding a way to fit him in.
Anaheim Ducks:
With the Ducks still very much in the Western Conference playoff race, they may be looking to buy at the deadline and with this being the case, they really could use another forward on their roster. Roslovic could be a great fit there, even having the chance to make their top six, and he is also just 24 years old. Thus, he could be part of their future as well, if things work out.
With that being said, it doesn't seem that Columbus has received many if any calls on Roslovic to this point. So whether he stays in a Blue Jackets sweater or where he might end up is anyone's guess.
