Last week, the Edmonton Oilers signed forward Jack Roslovic to a one-year contract, carrying a $1.5 million annual average value.
This deal was such a discount, largely due to the fact that Roslovic had waited until the season began to sign a deal. He also supposedly left money on the table to sign with the Oilers, reported by National Hockey League insider, Pierre LeBrun.
On a recent episode of Oilers Now, he said "I know for a fact that Roslovic had a better financial offer even last week that he turned down for the cheaper one in Edmonton". However, now there is speculation that he could end up being traded?
Roslovic contract clause
As we know, injured forward Zach Hyman is currently on long-term injured reserve and is expected to remain there until November. When he returns, the Oilers lose the cap benefits of having him on LTIR and could be forced to make moves as a result, in order to stay cap compliant.
Interestingly, on November 1st, Roslovic's contract has a modified no-trade clause that kicks in on that day. According to reports by Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast "November 1st...about the time Hyman comes back, it becomes a 4 team trade list. It's almost...a trial to see if everybody's happy here, and I assume the teams on that list are the teams that were also looking at him".
This is an interesting clause that lines up with when the team will need to make their tough financial decisions regarding Hyman. This is a smart move by both parties to allow flexibility and to give each other the opportunity to pull the plug.
As well, there is of course the possibility that the Oilers use Roslovic as a way to add depth while Hyman is out but then trade him regardless of performance. Similar to the Tampa Bay Lightning claiming goaltender Phoenix Copley on waivers and then trading him back to the Los Angeles Kings shortly after.
Are Roslovic and the Oilers a good fit?
If the Oilers are hoping Roslovic will be a good fit, so far, so good. Assuming that the plan is to keep the 28 year old for the season, it seems that the team will likely keep the winger. He is capable of adding some solid secondary scoring while also providing utility as a centre.
The Oilers have a few players who fit this mould like; Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, David Tomasek, Adam Henrique, and now Roslovic.
As long as the cap dollars make sense, so too does keeping the forward for the long haul. At the trade deadline, the Oilers would be likely forced to pay a first round pick or more for a player of his calibre. Instead, they can save these assets to get a legitimate top-six option they are rumoured to grab or goalie.