The Buffalo Sabres finished eighth in the NHL with 269 goals scored last season, but their offensive depth took a serious hit by trading winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. Although free agency has mostly dwindled down, it could still offer a potential solution in the form of Jack Roslovic.
Roslovic, who's the top-ranked played still available on the open market according to Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin, is coming off a solid season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He recorded 39 points (22 goals and 17 assists) across 81 appearances.
The 28-year-old Ohio native previously spent time with the Winnipeg Jets, who selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft, as well as the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers.
Roslovic's NHL track record
Roslovic has never become the high-end offensive force many expected during his time with the U.S. National U-18 Development Team. He recorded 27 goals and 52 assists in 65 games while in the program during the 2014-15 season, which helped him become a first-round draft prospect.
The Miami (Ohio) University product has nevertheless developed into a reliable secondary scorer at the NHL level. His peak, at least to this point, came during a two-year stretch with the Blue Jackets (2021-23) where he tallied 89 points in 158 games.
In addition, his 22 goals for the Canes last season are more impressive when you consider 21 of them came at even strength. A player who doesn't need extensive power-play time to generate offense always brings some added value to the table.
All told, Roslovic has posted 260 points (102 goals and 158 assists) in 526 career NHL games.
A Sabres connection
Earlier this offseason, Buffalo hired Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor to general manager Kevyn Adams. The former Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators forward previously served as the Blue Jackets' GM from February 2013 through February 2024.
So, Kekalainen was leading Columbus' front office when the team acquired Roslovic and Patrik Laine from Winnipeg in a blockbuster trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-round draft choice.
"Jack is an offensively gifted player with great speed and vision who has increased his production each season during his NHL career," Kekalainen said in a 2022 statement after signing Roslovic to an extension. "He has made great strides in his all-around game, especially during this past season, and we are very pleased that he will continue to be an important part of our team as we move forward."
That past connection not only gives the Sabres some inside information about what type of player and teammate the American forward can be, but also a prior relationship to build upon if they do try to sign the free agent.
Where Roslovic could fit in Buffalo's lineup
While Roslovic has spent most of his NHL career as a center, he can shift out to wing to bring some versatility to the table.
He'd likely start as a second- or third-line winger for the Sabres, who appear poised to start the season with a center group of Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod and Peyton Krebs.
Norris' injury history and Kulich's modest offensive production as a rookie create uncertainty about the offensive upside of that quartet, though. It could create a situation where a sluggish start by Buffalo could open the door to first-line center minutes for Roslovic.
Whether it's the top line or the third line, the main point remains the same: The Sabres missed the playoffs by 12 points last year and haven't made any substantial upgrades this summer, so any opportunity to bring in more talent must be considered between now and October.
Roslovic may not be a high-end game-changer, but he can bring some much-needed scoring depth to Buffalo.