Vancouver Canucks Weighing Costly Gamble on Jack Roslovic Amid Ongoing Negotiations
The Vancouver Canucks continue to explore free agency options this offseason, and one name that has garnered serious internal discussion is Jack Roslovic, a versatile forward fresh off an impressive campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, while mutual interest exists, the financial demands and broader roster considerations have made the potential deal a difficult one to finalize.
Just days after dealing forward Dakota Joshua in a cap-clearing move, Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin now has an additional $3.25 million to work with under the salary cap. That newfound flexibility has reignited rumors that Vancouver could be making a serious push for Roslovic. With the offseason market heating up, the clubโs reported pursuit of the 28-year-old has become a prominent talking point across league circles.
Roslovic is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, tying his personal best with 22 goals while contributing a total of 39 points over 81 games. His performance was instrumental in helping Carolina reach the Eastern Conference Final. That output, combined with his ability to play both center and wing, has increased his appeal to teams looking to bolster their middle-six forward group.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali confirmed on Wednesday that there have been talks between the Canucks and Roslovicโs representatives, although it remains unclear how close the two sides are to striking a deal. โThere have been talks with the Canucks and his camp,โ Dhaliwal stated, noting that the conversations remain active.
Dhaliwal also took to social media to provide an update for curious fans, saying: โFor those asking, not sure where this goes but the Canucks continue to talk with UFA Jack Roslovicโs camp.โ His statement reinforces the notion that while the interest is real, a final agreement may not be imminent.
Further details about Roslovicโs contract expectations have also surfaced. According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, Roslovic is seeking a multi-year contract, ideally two to three years in length, with an average annual value slightly above $3 million. โSounds like Roslovicโs camp is looking for a 2 or 3-year deal at just over $3M per,โ Robinson reported.
That figure puts him right at the threshold of what the Canucks can afford following the Joshua trade, especially if the front office plans to pursue additional signings or roster tweaks. For Allvin, the dilemma lies in whether the cost matches the potential impact Roslovic would bring to a team already seeking more offensive consistency and depth.
Robinson also noted that Vancouver isnโt the only team in the mix. While the Canucks are reportedly the most consistent suitor, there are other NHL clubs keeping tabs on Roslovicโs situation. โThere are a few teams interested, but VAN seems to be the most consistent. My understanding is they have a couple options they’re considering though,โ Robinson said. That remark hints at Vancouverโs cautious approach, perhaps evaluating alternative targets or weighing the risks of committing valuable cap space to a player with some question marks.
Despite Roslovicโs offensive success in 2024โ25, there are areas of concern. He finished the year with a minus-ten rating and recorded only 17 assists, suggesting his playmaking ability may not match his goal-scoring knack. Additionally, while ten penalty minutes in 81 games point to discipline on the ice, his overall impact in two-way play may not justify a significant financial investment unless heโs slotted into a very specific role.
For Vancouver, the situation is emblematic of a larger strategic question: Is now the time to take a swing on a mid-level free agent with upside, or should the organization prioritize long-term flexibility and internal development? With players like Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes serving as franchise cornerstones, the front office must decide how aggressively to build around that core without hamstringing future moves.
Itโs worth noting that Roslovicโs potential fit in Vancouver is intriguing. His versatility would allow Head Coach Rick Tocchet to deploy him either as a centerman or on the wing, depending on the matchups. That flexibility could be especially valuable if the team faces injuries or wants to experiment with different line combinations. He would likely fill a middle-six role, giving the Canucks more scoring punch beyond their top line while providing veteran presence to a younger locker room.
Still, the cost appears to be the sticking point. The $3 million-plus asking price isnโt outlandish by NHL standards, but when every dollar counts under a hard cap, the Canucks are wise to proceed with caution. That might explain why, despite ongoing conversations, no deal has been reached.
For now, the talks between Vancouver and Roslovicโs camp continue, but both parties appear to be playing the waiting game. The Canucks may be hoping the market cools or that Roslovic lowers his demands as free agency drags on. Conversely, Roslovic and his representatives might be holding out for a more favorable offer from another suitor or waiting for a team to experience a need due to injury or roster changes during training camp.
Ultimately, Jack Roslovic could be a strong addition to the Canucksโ lineupโbut only if the terms align with Vancouverโs broader vision. Patrik Allvin and his front office staff now face the challenge of determining whether the price tag is worth the gamble. With the offseason still in full swing, fans will be watching closely to see whether Vancouver takes the plunge or chooses to pivot in another direction. Either way, the pursuit of Roslovic underscores a front office unafraid to explore every option in its quest to return the Canucks to postseason prominence.
