Analysts question Jack Roslovic’s fit with the Maple Leafs despite Elliotte Friedman’s interest.
NHL Analysts Question Maple Leafs' Fit for Former Hurricanes Player originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With a few million dollars in salary cap space still available, the Toronto Maple Leafs can enter the free agent market to try to sign the best player available.
That'd be former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic, who is still unsigned and considered the top unrestricted free agent left on the market.
Speculation on the 28-year-old’s next destination has continued into mid-August, with AFPAnalytics projecting the forward to land a three-year, $12.3 million contract.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported in early July that Toronto is "in on" Roslovic, noting his history with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews as well as his ability to play both center and right wing.
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“One guy I think the Leafs are in on is Jack Roslovic,” Friedman said. “And it makes sense to me because he has a history with Auston Matthews. They played together at the U.S. National Development Team. I can see the connection."
NHL Analysts Cast Doubt on Potential Maple Leafs-Jack Roslovic Fit
If the Leafs truly chase — and end up getting — Roslovic, he would probably slide into Toronto's first forward line, playing alongside Matthews and left winger Matthew Knies and filling the gap created by Mitch Marner's departure.
That said, not everyone, including Maple Leafs analysts, is convinced Roslovic is the right move for Toronto.
Discussing the possible signing of the former Hurricanes winger during Wednesday's "Leafs Morning Take" podcast, hosts Nick Alberga and Zack Phillips questioned whether the 22-goal scorer would mesh with Matthews and Matthew Knies if slotted on the top line.
“I already see a scenario where they sign this guy and two weeks in, we're like, '(Expletive), it doesn't fit with Knies and Matthews. What now for Jack Roslovic?'” Alberga said. “Quite honestly, good player, but this has been the story of his career.”
Phillips added that there’s “probably more likelihood that it doesn’t work than that it does,” viewing Roslovic more as a bottom-six role player than a consistent top-line contributor.
"We need to, as a fan base, have some lower expectations with that one," Phillips said. "The expectation would be, he's a guy who can fit into maybe your second, likely third line, and then, on the most optimistic outcome, he's an impact player."
Maple Leafs Must Weigh Risk and Reward of Signing Roslovic
Roslovic’s versatility and familiarity with Matthews make him an intriguing option for the Leafs to explore.
That said, the projected $4 million average annual value assigned to him means Toronto would need to create even more cap space by moving players via trade. Three forwards — Nicholas Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf — could be candidates.
Last season with the Hurricanes, Roslovic scored 22 goals and provided 17 assists for 39 points in 81 regular-season games. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Leafs trio combined for 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) in 147 games.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Hockey
