Though the Edmonton Oilers have had their season start a bit slower than fans would like, there are some positive signs that the team will continue to forge a new identity. While their record is better than usual, considering their usual struggles in the fall, their control of play and underlying metrics are not quite as impressive as usual. That said, some tightening of their systems is possible.
Another silver lining is the return of Zach Hyman, who will undoubtedly be a boost to the lineup. In his absence several Oilers have had chances to step up. Some, like Matthew Savoie or Andrew Mangiapane, have found ways to be effective, and have shown signs of promise that they might be important contributors come the spring.
Among those who have impressed is newcomer Jack Roslovic. After joining the team late, being left unsigned all summer, Roslovic has started to emerge as a huge positive in the Oilers top-six forward group.
Let’s take a deeper look at how his play is impacting the team.
Roslovic’s player profile
There has always been a lot to like about Roslovic. With the ability to make some jaw dropping highlight reel plays, it is clear that Roslovic has a high quality of puck skills. With speed and a dangerous shot, Roslovic has been able to apply his skill set as well. Last season, Roslovic was able to score 21 even strength goals for the Carolina Hurricanes, an impressive feat.
Still, this has not always been the case. Despite his high end skill flashing at times, Roslovic has not always been consistent enough to find a regular spot in a lineup. After being drafted in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets, Roslovic found icetime hard to come by. He requested a trade, and was eventually traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside Patrick Laine as part of the deal that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Winnipeg.
In Columbus, Roslovic found new career highs. Still, on a weak Blue Jackets team success and stability were still hard to come by. Roslovic reached the 40-point mark twice, and reached the 20-goal mark for the first time as a member of the Jackets. This was his biggest NHL role, averaging just under 16 minutes per game as a member of the Jackets. A big part of the issue was that Roslovic was being used as a centre, in a sense limiting his opportunities.
After parts of four seasons in Columbus, Roslovic was shipped off midseason to the New York Rangers. Things did not work out that well, as Roslovic was once again averaging under 14 minutes per game, even after moving to the wing. The Rangers only gave up a fourth-round pick for his services, a sign that there was not much faith in his game around the league.
Roslovic left for the Carolina Hurricanes in free agency, spending last season on a strong Hurricanes team. His offence returned, though his icetime remained limited. Clearly it was not quite enough to make Roslovic a priority free agent this past offseason.
Empty shoes to fill
Still, there might have been some selectiveness from Roslovic this summer. Given his high draft stock, and his past trade request, Roslovic could be forgiven for being hungry to prove himself in a more stable role. In some sense, this makes the Oilers a near perfect fit.
The Oilers have long searched for top-six wingers to fully complement the talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Over the years several players have had their chances, though often the results have underwhelmed.
While Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have been nice fits in this role, and the jury is still out on Vasily Podkolzin, the Oilers have spent a great deal of time and capital trying to find players in these spots. For example, first-round picks like Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto, or veterans like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson.
As a skilled, offensive winger, Roslovic is a fit in a scoring role. His possession stats are often strong relative to his teammates, which is a positive as well. His ability to produce at even strength is key, as time on the Oilers power play is hard to come by.
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Fit on the Oilers lineup
Putting it all together, there is strong reason to believe that Roslovic can hold this role all season. His production per 60 minutes and his shooting percentage are hovering near his career norms. While he is on pace to set career highs, it is through the volume of minutes, the defined role, and the talent around him that is helping set the pace, not an unsustainable hot streak.
After an understandably slow start, given that he had signed after the season began, Roslovic’s icetime is increasing. For the first time he has been given an opportunity in a true top-six role. Early in the season his limited shot attempts came from the outside, but since then Roslovic has been able to generate shots from higher scoring areas.
Between his speed and his scoring, Roslovic has been a boon to the Oilers lineup. At times the Oilers lack of speed was criticized last season, not to mention underwhelming campaigns for Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner casting doubt on their secondary scoring. Even outside of his recent overtime heroics, Roslovic has started to prove he can be an upgrade for the Oilers.
There are other bonuses, as his right shot and experience at centre mean he can contribute on face-offs. Since leaving the Rangers, Roslovic’s face-off percentage has taken off, likely due to limiting his attempts to more advantageous draws on his strong side. It does show that despite his age, Roslovic is still improving areas of his game.
For the Oilers, this gives an even greater credence to his career best scoring pace. Roslovic is learning how to better apply his skill set. His rates and shooting percentage are sustainable, and a spot alongside McDavid or Draisaitl is there for the taking. It should be expected that he can post a career high in points this season.
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