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The Boston Bruins could address a key team need by signing a top remaining UFA while hampering at division rival at the same time.
The Boston Bruins’ quest to upgrade the club’s roster is no secret. The team will be looking to turn things around this season after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. The aim has been to move away from high-priced veterans and focus on youth and growth.
That aim was apparent at last year’s trade deadline. The Bruins dealt a number of veteran players, paving the way for a youth movement. But along the way, the Bruins also need depth. In particular, depth in the club’s bottom-six forward group will be something to prioritize.
Part of building that depth is signing the offseason’s remaining top UFA, Jack Roslovic. Roslovic is coming off a good season with the Carolina Hurricanes, but has yet to re-sign with the team. The 28-year-old has been linked to numerous clubs, most recently the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Rumors suggest the Maple Leafs are Roslovic’s biggest suitors, especially after the Vancouver Canucks dropped out of the running. So, the Bruins could address a crucial need and hamper a division rival by signing Jack Roslovic.
While Roslovic won’t be the top-line center some fans would like to see, he could be a solid choice. If he has a good season, Roslovic might even jump into a 2C role. Perhaps that’s wishful thinking, but there is certainly plenty of upside there.
Most importantly, adding Roslovic would allow the Bruins to trade another high-priced, underachieving center if the circumstances allow.
Bruins Shouldn’t Overpay for Roslovic
The Boston Bruins should avoid overpaying for a player of Jack Roslovic’s stature. Yes, he notched a 22-goal season in Carolina. It was the second time in his career that he’s hit that mark. But looking at his track record, hitting the 20-goal mark seems more like an outlier than a trend.
The Hurricanes signed Roslovic last season to a one-year, $2.8 million contract. The Hurricanes got their money’s worth. However, it seems that the Hurricanes preferred to allocate their remaining dollars elsewhere.
Moreover, Roslovic could be seeking a multi-year deal with a significant payday. But judging from the numbers, that might be a risky proposition. Perhaps a two or three-year deal in a similar price range could be a good idea for the Bruins.
The last thing the team should do is splurge by overpaying for a player like Roslovic. The key issue is to maintain as much salary cap flexibility, especially with the potential UFAs hitting the 2026 free-agent market.
Adding Roslovic Would Allow Boston to Trade a Center
Much of the chatter this offseason has focused on the Bruins trading a center. Namely, the speculation has focused on Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha. Both players have had underwhelming tenures in Boston. As such, some have called for the club to trade them.
If such a deal materialized today, the Bruins’ center depth would take a hit. There’s no telling if prospect Fraser Minten is ready for prime time this season. Moreover, Casey Mittelstadt is a question mark at best.
So, adding a center like Jack Roslovic would allow the Bruins to trade a center if need be. That center could be Zacha, Lindholm, or Mittelstadt. Making the move wouldn’t gut the Bruins’ center depth, while giving an up-and-coming player like Minten the chance to ease into a full-time NHL role.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan
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