Stars and Sticks
Fansided

Jack Roslovic makes sense for the Washington Capitals in free agency

The 28-year-old could be a key piece to the Caps' offense
ByMatthew Miguez|
May 10, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jack Roslovic (96) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
May 10, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jack Roslovic (96) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Washington Capitals will be looking for different ways to bolster their roster this offseason as they want to get closer to their second Stanley Cup title after a disappointing exit to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

One way they could do that? Signing a player away from the team that bounced them.

Jack Roslovic is a 28-year-old center who has bounced around the NHL in spots like the Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and most recently, the Canes. He's a bottom-six forward that has brought offensive firepower everywhere he's been. Since joining the NHL in 2016-2017, Roslovic has posted five double-digit goal campaigns, most recently 22 along with 17 assists in Raleigh this past season.

With the likely departure of Lars Eller and Ryan Leonard still needing some time to grow into his own, Roslovic makes a ton of sense for the Caps in the short term. Carolina signed him to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, which is a number I feel like is fair value for the type of player you'd be getting

He scored a huge goal in Game 3 of the Playoffs against the Capitals to double Carolina's lead in that one, which really became a critical point in the series as Washington never really recovered from it.

Faceoff
Mar 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jack Roslovic (98) and Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) focus in on the puck as they wait for the referee to drop it on a face off in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

When you watch Roslovic play, it doesn't take long to notice that he's got a great hockey IQ, does a really nice job of spreading the puck around, and finds open spots in the ice to create offense. He can score from the sides of the ice, the slot, in front of the net, etc. I think he will fill a nice need for Washington in the bottom of their lineup.

What would the Caps be getting out of Roslovic? Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour had this to say shortly after signing the forward last summer.

""He can skate. That was the one thing I learned from coaching against him, especially in (May's playoff series). He really stood out," Carolina's bench boss said on Friday. "It was that speed. I didn't notice it as much before, but for whatever reason, that was there.""
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'AMour

Fit wise, I would play Roslovic as the third line center, move Leonard down to the fourth line or even play him as a third line winger, and let Eller walk. He's clearly lost a step over the last few seasons and is far from the player he was during the Cup run in 2018.

How would you like the signing on Jack Roslovic if the Caps were able to pull it off?

Home/Free Agency