Why the Oilers Should Wait on a Jack Roslovic Extension
Jack Roslovic has been a solid addition to the Edmonton Oilers' forward group, and the idea of keeping him around isn’t a bad one. But talk of a four-year extension in the $4 million-per-season range-especially before this season’s playoff run-raises some real questions.
Let’s be clear: Roslovic has tools. He’s fast, skilled, and has the kind of offensive upside that can pop in the right situation.
But when it comes to playoff hockey-the grind-it-out, every-inch-matters kind of game-he hasn’t exactly earned a reputation as a difference-maker. And that’s where the Oilers need to be careful.
Stauffer's Comments: Not a Done Deal, But a Possibility
On a recent episode of Oilers Now, Bob Stauffer weighed in on Roslovic’s future in Edmonton. He noted that he wouldn’t be surprised if the forward ends up signing a deal in the $4 million range, with four years being the preferred term. Crucially, though, Stauffer clarified that this isn’t something that’s currently in the works or expected to be announced anytime soon.
That distinction matters. Because while Roslovic has shown flashes of what he can bring to the table, the Oilers haven’t yet seen him in the kind of high-stakes environment that really tests a player’s value-namely, the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Playoffs Are the Litmus Test
Roslovic’s game is high-event. He can create offense, no doubt.
But he’s also been known to give up as much as he gets. That kind of risk-reward profile can be tough to manage in the postseason, when coaches are looking for reliability, smart positioning, and a commitment to two-way play.
Historically, Roslovic hasn’t always been that guy. He’s bounced around lineups, and just last season, he found himself scratched by the Carolina Hurricanes during their playoff push. That’s not the kind of résumé that screams “lock him up long-term,” especially for a team like Edmonton that’s already tight against the salary cap.
Cap Space Is a Premium-So Is Timing
The Oilers are in win-now mode, and every dollar counts. Committing $4 million annually to a player before he’s proven he can contribute when it matters most could box the team into a tough spot down the road. Edmonton’s roster is already stacked with big contracts, and any new deal has to be weighed against future flexibility.
That’s why waiting makes sense. Let Roslovic show what he can do when the games get tighter, the ice shrinks, and every shift is magnified. If he proves he can be a reliable contributor in the playoffs, then you have a much clearer picture of his value-and potentially a better negotiating position, too.
The Verdict: Patience Is the Smart Play
There’s nothing wrong with liking what Roslovic brings to the Oilers. But liking a player and locking him into a multi-year deal are two very different things-especially for a team with championship aspirations and limited cap wiggle room.
The Oilers don’t need to rush this. Let the playoffs play out.
If Roslovic steps up when it matters most, then the extension talks can begin in earnest. Until then, the smart move is to wait and see.