Jack Roslovic: The Oilers’ Surprise Top-Six Spark

Who knew Jack Roslovic would turn out to be the kind of addition that makes you stop mid-game and mutter, “Wow, we really lucked out here”?

When the Edmonton Oilers signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million deal just after the season began, expectations were modest. Roslovic, 28, had just come off a 22-goal, 39-point campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes. He wanted multiple years and could have gotten them. However, instead, he took a discount to join a contender.

For a lot of fans, he was a middle-six placeholder — a guy to fill gaps, maybe provide a few power-play minutes when needed, but nothing to write home about. And yet, here we are, months later, and the narrative has flipped entirely.

From the Time Roslovic Stepped on the Ice, He Made a Difference for the Oilers

From the moment he stepped on the ice for the Oilers, Roslovic showed signs that he belonged. His first point came on an assist in his third game. Then, he began building chemistry with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. By late October, he was already contributing in meaningful ways: scoring goals, adding assists, and consistently logging plus ratings in top-six minutes.

The slow start was understandable; he signed after training camp, had to learn new systems, and find his niche. But by November, the Oilers were beginning to see exactly why he had been sought after. Even if Roslovic isn't a superstar, he's become a player whose skill set and mindset were a perfect fit.

The Timing of Roslovic's Impact Could Not Have Been Better

What stands out most about Roslovic is the timing of his impact. Over the last nine games, he’s scored five goals and put up ten points. Amazingly, these goals include two straight overtime winners. His ability to deliver in clutch moments has made him more than a role player — he’s become a stabilizing force, someone teammates can trust in critical situations.

Watching him on a two-on-none break against the Philadelphia Flyers or cashing in a power-play chance against the Chicago Blackhawks, you see a player who combines speed, hockey sense, and a kind of confidence that lifts everyone around him. He’s not flashy for flashiness’s sake; he makes the right play at the right time.

Roslovic Brings Energy and Determination to the Oilers

And it’s not just the points. Roslovic brings energy, determination, and a willingness to do the small things that often go unnoticed. He blocks shots, takes minor penalties to protect teammates, and wins battles in the corners. Those intangibles have become part of the Oilers’ identity lately, and Roslovic embodies them without blinking.

Fans are noticing, and he’s even better than they ever expected. Watching him, you can’t help but think: 'Why didn’t we have more of this sooner?'"

Part of the reason he’s thriving in Edmonton is that he's fit. He’s lined up with skilled linemates, he’s getting minutes that suit his game, and he’s being allowed to play instinctively rather than micromanaged. That combination — talent, opportunity, and confidence — is often all a player needs to rediscover themselves. And Roslovic has done just that: he’s taken what could have been a minor role and turned it into something that genuinely matters for a team chasing deep playoff runs.

From NHL Bargain Bin, To Top-Six Oilers' Difference-Maker

So yes, maybe he came from what some fans have jokingly called “the bargain bin.” But Roslovic has been worth far more than the price tag suggested. His goals, assists, and game-winning moments tell one story; the energy, poise, and quiet leadership tell another. For Edmonton, this is exactly the kind of addition that can shift a season. For Roslovic, it’s a reminder of just how good he always knew he could be.

Sometimes, hockey isn’t about chasing stars. Sometimes it’s about finding the right guy at the right time. And right now, Jack Roslovic is exactly that. Who knew?