NHL Insider Frank Seravalli reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are still in the mix to sign free agent forward Jack Roslovic.
On the latest episode of Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook released on Friday, Seravalli was asked by a fan in the chat if he had anything new to share on the Leafs or Roslovic. He responded by mentioning the Leafs continue to keep tabs on the former Carolina Hurricane.
“It’s interesting that you said Leafs or Roslovic,” he said. “I was wondering if you mean the Leafs and Roslovic because I think the Toronto Maple Leafs are still very much in contention to get Jack Roslovic.”
Seravalli’s report is the latest that connects the Leafs to Roslovic, which first emerged after free agent frenzy opened when Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made the initial report on July 6th. He followed up a month later stating that at least five other teams are keeping an eye on Roslovic, while noting that the Leafs are trying to free up some cap space. As far as how close a potential deal is to being completed, Seravalli mentioned that nothing appears to be imminent but the Leafs remain in contact with Roslovic’s camp.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the teams that were engaged and in conversation with Roslovic,” he said. Some people had suggested, ‘Hey, this is a done deal with Roslovic and they’re going to announce it at some point in the future.’ But every side that’s connected to Jack Roslovic and the Leafs have said, ‘No, no, no. No deal is done here.’ It’s just something they are certainly keeping tabs on.”
The fact that there have been multiple insiders sharing that there is a connection between the Leafs and Roslovic suggests that there is at least some interest from the two parties to get a contract signed. Some may argue that Toronto should focus its efforts elsewhere and aim higher than him, but the Leafs could see the strong connection that Roslovic has with Auston Matthews and theorize that the two would bring out the best in each other offensively.
Another way to view it is that Brad Treliving and Craig Berube want to prioritize internal competition and this is done by shoring up the depth. There is no denying that this area has improved up front this offseason since Mitch Marner’s departure has opened up cap space for the Leafs to reallocate elsewhere. Having the likes of Roslovic, Matias Maccelli, and Max Domi compete to secure top-six minutes could help improve everyone around them.
Roslovic is coming off a 39-point season (22 goals and 17 assists), which had him sixth on the Hurricanes in scoring while adding four points (a goal and three assists) in nine playoff games.
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