Edmonton Oilers sign veteran sniper, the top remaining NHL free agent, insider reports

This in from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, word that the Edmonton Oilers made a second pitch to free agent forward Jack Roslovic, 28, who snubbed the team earlier in the free agent period, but this time signed with the Oil.

It’s a one year deal at $1.5 million.

Roslovic recently changed his agent after not getting a new deal this summer. Roslovic had reportedly been looking for $3.0 million a year.

“There’s word tonight that they have re-engaged with Jack Roslovic who they talked with around July 1. Roslovic, of course, is unsigned. But I’ve heard the Oilers have re-engaged with him, and we’ll see where this goes tonight.”

A moment later Friedman added, “He’s signing here. Roslovic is going to sign in Edmonton.”

Said Sportsnet’s Colby Armstrong, “This is what makes me excited about the Oilers. If I was a player, being a complementary player, being a Mangiapane, being an Isaac Howard, being a Jack Roslovic with the opportunity to play in certain spots… I think if you’re a guy like those guys we’re naming, the Oilers are appealing… It’s a great place to look to go to as we’ve seen over the last few years.”

Oilers GM Stan Bowman told Roslovic’s agent about a month ago that the Oilers would love to have the player, but didn’t have a lot of money to sing him.

“He came to the decision that this is where he wants to be.”

Bowman said the Oilers would have liked this kind of player around the coming trade deadline and are pleased he’s available now. “We think he could be a really nice piece for our group right now.”

Edmonton would like to add even strength scoring and that’s something Roslovic does well, along with playing at high pace with a lot of speed. “This was a unique opportunity to get a player of his caliber without having to give up any assets… It was a pretty easy decision for us.”

Bowman said the team will have to make a roster move, but have yet to decide what it is.

Coach Kris Knoblauch added that Roslovic will add speed and depth scoring on the team. “Which you can never have enough of … A great addition to our team.”

roslovic

My take

1. Roslovic has been a solid even strength scorer for a few years now. Last season, 2024-25, he put up 2.1 points per 60 minutes, which ranked 65th in in the NHL for all regular forwards. He scored 22 goals and had 17 assists in 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes.

2. Things are now crowded in Edmonton at the forward ranks. One wonders what this means for newcomers like David Tomasek or Ike Howard when Roslovic shows up and gets up to speed. Mattias Janmark, who is now out with injury, might also be on the bubble.

3. I can’t speak to Roslovic as a player. I know he’s super fast, but I’m not sure about his defensive play. I haven’t done the hard slog of video analysis over 10 to 20 games that it takes to fully comprehend what a player brings. But I do love his even strength scoring numbers. He could really pop this season for the Oilers if he can find his way into the Top 6, and signing him gives Edmonton one more vet who can score, which is always welcome.