Blackhawks Consider Roslovic as Key Component in Rebuild Strategy
The Chicago Blackhawks are poised to enter a pivotal season in their ongoing rebuild, one that could signal a significant progression toward becoming a playoff contender in the near future. With the prospect of securing franchise center Connor Bedard looming large, the organization is also keenly aware of the necessity to bolster its roster with crucial support pieces. One such piece is Jack Roslovic, the top remaining unrestricted free agent (UFA) as the season approaches.
Roslovic’s Market Value and the Blackhawks’ Cap Space
Roslovic’s name has frequently surfaced in trade rumors this offseason, with teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers all rumored to be interested in the 28-year-old forward. However, the Blackhawks, with ample cap space, present a compelling opportunity for Roslovic. Currently, Chicago has just under $17 million in cap space for the upcoming season, and with the salary cap expected to increase by approximately $9 million next year, the team is in a secure position to make a move.
Recent reports indicate that Roslovic declined a short-term offer from the Edmonton Oilers, suggesting he may be seeking a more stable, longer commitment. This is where the Blackhawks could potentially capitalize on the situation by offering a deal in the three-to-four-year range. While the team may not be prepared to break the bank, a solid multi-year contract could benefit both the Blackhawks and Roslovic. Chicago would gain a reliable middle-six forward, while Roslovic would secure the stability he seems to desire.
Enhancing the Roster with Veteran Experience
The Blackhawks are solidifying their center positions with Bedard as the top center and Frank Nazar as the second line center. Daily Faceoff projects Jason Dickinson as the third line center and captain Nick Foligno in the fourth line role. This is where Roslovic could make a significant impact. By stepping into the third line center position, Roslovic would allow Dickinson to slide into the fourth line role, enhancing the overall depth of the lineup. Coach Jeff Blashill might even consider shifting Foligno to the wing, possibly pairing him with Roslovic on the third line while deploying Ilya Mikheyev on the fourth unit.
Acquiring Roslovic would not only provide the Blackhawks with immediate depth but also offer flexibility in their lineup—a crucial advantage as the rigors of the season unfold and injuries inevitably arise.
Assessing the Risks and Future Considerations
While fans might not expect Roslovic to rack up staggering point totals or headline the power play unit, they can look forward to a solid performance from this veteran center. Signing him to a multi-year deal represents a gamble that many rebuilding teams undertake when bringing in experienced players to aid in their rebuild efforts.
The Blackhawks are set to see several contracts expire next summer, including those of Dickinson, Mikheyev, Foligno, and Sam Lafferty, along with Andre Burakovsky and Teuvo Teravainen entering the final year of their contracts. This scenario emphasizes the urgency for the Blackhawks to address their future depth pieces now, rather than waiting until the market inflates next offseason.
Although Roslovic may not be on par with the elite players like Connor McDavid, teams that miss out on the top free agents could pivot towards players like him, potentially driving his market value up. Ultimately, the Blackhawks’ pursuit of Roslovic represents a calculated risk, one that could yield fruitful results as they continue to navigate their rebuild.
