The Carolina Hurricanes’ Jack Roslovic still remains a UFA during these August dog days of the NHL offseason. While the assumption by most NHL pundits has been that he will eventually be on the move from Carolina, that may not end up being the case after all.
The 28 year old center was a nice fit with the Hurricanes last season, thriving in his first year with the club. He tallied 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points in 80 games during the regular season and added a goal and 3 assists in 9 playoff games.
According to insider Frank Seravalli, the door has not yet been shut on a potential future Jack Roslovic extension in Carolina. The issue the team lacks at the moment is space for Roslovic.
Where does Roslovic fit in Carolina?
The issue at hand in regards to space has nothing to do with the salary cap. Carolina has more than enough cap space to get a Roslovic deal done with over $10 million available. The problem is with respects to lineup space. One of the Canes biggest strengths is their center depth with Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, Jordan Stall and Jesperi Kotkaniemi currently down the middle. Their is not a clear slot for Roslovic in this equation, so he is not a clear need.
There are still options on the table here if both parties wish to continue their partnership. Roslovic could play on the wing. Or the Canes could move someone else to the wing if they wish to insert Roslovic in a bottom 6 center role. Carolina will need to access how crucial Roslovic was to their success last season and if it is necessary for them to keep him aboard or let him walk and use that cap space for future needs that may arise.
