For a player who arrived with plenty of questions attached, Jack Roslovic is suddenly looking like the answer the Toronto Maple Leafs have been searching for.
The offseason signing came with a built-in debate about where he fit. Because of his friendship with Auston Matthews, a spot on the top line seemed like the obvious landing place for some. Others pushed back, pointing to Roslovic’s career-best numbers of 22 goals and 45 assists and arguing that such a role would be too much.
Roslovic’s recent production has made that conversation a lot louder. After a strong opening with the Oilers last season, he faded and finished with 36 points in 69 games. This year, though, head coach Jim Hiller wasted no time putting him beside Matthews and Kirill Marchenko, and the early returns have been eye-catching.
Through 17 games, Roslovic has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. That puts him on pace for 40 goals and 89 points, a career year if he can keep it going. That kind of finish is unlikely over a full season, but the boost from skating with Matthews and Marchenko has clearly been real.
Roslovic is not being asked to become the 100-point force Mitch Marner was late in his Toronto run. Even so, he’s making noise in a way that has not gone unnoticed.
Leafs reporter Kevin Papetti added to the chatter with a sarcastic jab, calling Roslovic the best right-winger Matthews has played with since William Nylander. The line was a clear shot at Marner, and one that Leafs fans will recognize immediately.
There’s still plenty of season left, and Roslovic’s numbers could move in either direction. But right now, he has been one of the more impressive stories around the team.
And the setup could get even better soon. Marchenko is working his way back from a lower-body injury, and his return would put the top line back together.
If Matthews, Roslovic and Marchenko are reunited, the offense should keep humming. Roslovic should keep seeing quality chances, and the goals may keep coming.
More than anything, this run is another reminder that chemistry with Matthews can change everything.
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Maple Leafs Face A Growing Problem Ahead Of Montreal
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Jim Hiller has been pressing the same broader point: the Leafs need more time in the offensive zone so they are not spending shifts under constant defensive stress. The players have echoed the importance of communication and trust in the system, while John Tavares continues to move in the right direction in his recovery and will be evaluated before any return is considered. [Read more 🡒]