As it usually does, the NHL unrestricted free agent market dried up in a hurry once July 1st hit.
Almost all of the best available UFAs signed that day or in the few days to follow, which was part of the reason we had such a quiet summer in terms of activity.
Those who wait tend to get veteran minimum contracts or a tryout just before training camps to prove they can still play; however, Jack Roslovic, the top remaining UFA, is undoubtedly deserving of more than that.
The 2015 first-round pick (25th overall) of the Winnipeg Jets has moved around quite a bit thus far in his career, but has established himself as a very capable middle-six forward through it all.
Because of that, everyone is surprised to see that Roslovic still hasn’t found a new home, though TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun’s latest report from Thursday’s edition of OverDrive might tell us why. According to LeBrun, Roslovic and his camp weren’t too flexible with where they were willing to sign, and the Edmonton Oilers learned that the hard way.
“We believe that he actually had something on the table in the summer from the Edmonton Oilers, and it didn’t interest him. And what has also happened in the interim is he has changed agents. So obviously July 1 did not go like he wanted, so he fired his agent, went to a new agent. And obviously, certainly at the start of the offseason, he had certain parameters of where he wanted to go. I mean, I can’t imagine turning down a chance to go play with McDavid or Draisaitl. So, yeah, he’s still a UFA; I’m sure he’ll catch on here at some point; he’ll end up somewhere for sure,” LeBrun said.
“We believe he had a deal on the table from the Oilers and it didn’t interest him.” 👀@DarrenDreger and @PierreVLeBrun report that UFA Jack Roslovic received a contract from Edmonton but he didn’t take it. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/mL4xIxadjT
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) October 2, 2025
The 28-year-old played last season on a one-year, $2.8 million contract signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in free agency of 2024.
Roslovic is skating in Columbus
While he waits for the right opportunity to arise for his playing future, Jack Roslovic is skating and training in his hometown of Columbus.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic shared an image of the center/right winger on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
Former #CBJ Jack Roslovic, who had 22 goals for #RaiseUp last season, remains the NHL’s top unsigned free agent. He’s skating every other day at a suburban rink in Columbus, his hometown.
He politely declined an interview request from The Athletic this morning. pic.twitter.com/sKNzm3jGBX— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 2, 2025
Roslovic spent parts of four seasons from 2020-21 to 2023-24 as a Blue Jacket, having plenty of familiarity with the city and organization.
With that in mind, the Blue Jackets are certainly a team to keep an eye on in these sweepstakes, as they also possess a ton of cap space and potential openings in their lineup that make sense as a fit.
