Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oilers' plans to re-sign forward Jack Roslovic may be in jeopardy due to the player's rumored contract demands. Roslovic, who signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Oilers in October 2025, is reportedly seeking a significant raise, potentially altering the Oilers' strategy for the upcoming season.
Roslovic's arrival in Edmonton was initially met with optimism, as the team sought to add experienced depth to their roster. After a long stint as an unrestricted free agent, the 28-year-old joined the Oilers, who had been in contact with him since the summer. Oilers' General Manager Stan Bowman indicated that the team was operating with limited funds but offered Roslovic an opportunity to prove himself.
In the previous season with the Carolina Hurricanes, Roslovic matched a career-high with 22 goals and contributed 17 assists in 81 games. He also added four points in nine playoff games. Throughout his 10-season NHL career, Roslovic has accumulated 102 goals and 158 assists in 526 games, playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and Hurricanes.
However, Roslovic initially turned down an offer from the Oilers, seeking a long-term fit. This led him to change agents in pursuit of better contract terms. Despite the initial rejection, he eventually signed a one-year deal with Edmonton.
The current issue revolves around Roslovic's expected raise, which could be substantially higher than his current $1.5 million salary. While the exact figure of his contract ask remains undisclosed, it's expected to be a significant increase based on his performance and market value. This poses a challenge for the Oilers, who must carefully manage their salary cap to maintain a competitive roster.
Several factors could influence the Oilers' decision. Connor McDavid's recent two-year, $25 million extension, which saw him agree to a lower average annual value, was intended to provide the team with more financial flexibility. However, other signings, such as Mattias Ekholm's three-year, $12 million extension and Jake Walman's seven-year, $49 million contract, have further tightened the Oilers' cap situation.
Given these financial constraints, the Oilers may need to explore alternative options if Roslovic's contract demands prove too high. This could involve trading players to create cap space or seeking more affordable replacements through free agency or trades.
The situation highlights the complexities of NHL contract negotiations and the delicate balance between player value and team financial stability. As the Oilers approach the negotiation period with Roslovic, they will need to carefully weigh his contributions to the team against the broader implications for their salary cap and overall roster construction.
