The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off NHL Free Agency by making a trade. Then they made another move to fill the hole they just created.
Earlier on Monday, Toronto sent Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now they’ve added center Jack Roslovic on a two-year contract, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic. The deal carries an average annual value of $4 million.
That’s a slight raise for Roslovic, who played last season on a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers. For the Leafs, it’s a straightforward swap of offensive depth. Robertson wanted a fresh start, and they replaced his scoring touch with a guy who’s been fairly consistent the last couple of years.
Roslovic’s Career Arc
Roslovic was a first-round pick back in 2015, going 25th overall to the Winnipeg Jets. He spent a year at Miami University in Ohio before turning pro with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL. His NHL debut came during the 2016-17 season, and he’s bounced around ever since.
He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets as a restricted free agent after the 2019-20 season. Then at the 2024 trade deadline, he went to the New York Rangers. He signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes the following summer. After that, he took another one-year deal with the Oilers. This marks the first time since 2022 he’s signing for more than one season.
His numbers over the last two years are basically identical. With Carolina in 2023-24, he scored 22 goals and added 17 assists in 81 games. With Edmonton this past season, he had 21 goals and 15 assists in just 68 games. So the production is there, especially at even strength.
What It Means for Toronto
The Leafs needed someone who can play up and down the lineup. Roslovic can slot in as a third-line center or shift to the wing if they want. He’s not going to replace Auston Matthews’ offense, but he’s a solid middle-six guy who doesn’t need special teams minutes to contribute.
And the two-year term is interesting. It gives Toronto some stability in a forward group that’s seen a lot of turnover. It also gives Roslovic something he hasn’t had in a while — a chance to actually unpack his bags and stay put.
Robertson’s departure was expected. He’d asked for a trade, and the Leafs obliged. Roslovic won’t be the flashiest name in their offseason moves, but he’s a dependable pro who’s been around the block. That’s probably exactly what they were after.
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