Could Jack Roslovic Unlock a Better Version of Auston Matthews?

If you’re a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, when you heard that Jack Roslovic signed with your Maple Leafs, you might have thought, “Another NHL move.” But the real story is a lot more interesting than it sounds on the surface. That’s because there’s actual hockey history here, not just a handshake-and-a-press-release connection.

First, Jack Roslovic and Auston Matthews go way back. They were teammates in the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons. That’s not a throwaway detail either. That program is basically where future NHL players get moulded, coached, and tested early. So when two guys come up through the same development pipeline, they often understand each other’s pace, habits, and hockey brain in a way other players don’t.

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Roslovic and Matthews Grew a Friendship Even Though Their Paths Separated

The one-year age difference between them doesn’t matter much. He and Matthews also played together on the U-17 and U-18 teams. This is where their friendship started, and it’s stuck over the years even though their NHL paths obviously diverged. Roslovic has talked about how easy it feels to call Matthews, like they never really lost the thread.

And when Roslovic signed with the Maple Leafs this offseason, it wasn’t that “professional, happy to be here” kind of low-energy response. He sounded genuinely excited. He described it as “awesome” and “stoked,” which is a very specific kind of excited. He also mentioned knowing Matthews’ game and personality, and how Matthews’ leadership stood out to him. One detail that really matters: Roslovic has talked about seeing Matthews battle through difficult moments as a young player, and that left an impression. That’s the kind of thing that creates respect, not just familiarity.

What Might That Relationship Mean for Maple Leafs Fans?

So what does any of that translate into for Toronto? Fans might not realize it, but chemistry isn’t always about lifelong friendships. It’s about comfort and continuity. If Roslovic already “gets” how Matthews thinks and operates, that can speed up line feel, decision-making, and timing once the games start. Add that Roslovic is known for speed, versatility, and secondary scoring. The result? You can understand why the Maple Leafs would like him alongside Matthews: fewer “heavy-lift” moments for the top line, more reliable offence from the surrounding pieces.

The bottom line is this. Putting together Roslovic and Matthews, if it happens, won’t be the “played once together at an All-Star Game” storyline. It’s a legit hockey connection from formative years. It’s exactly the kind of connection teams value when they’re trying to build chemistry and consistency quickly.

Related: Are Alfredsson and Sundin the Maple Leafs’ Secret Weapons?