Did the Oilers Accidentally Find Their Missing Top-Six Winger?

The Edmonton Oilers have been hunting for a legitimate top-six winger for what feels like forever. The organization tried signing veterans a mid-range prices, elevating rookies with speed and skill, and searching for trades that either didn’t come to fruition or failed to pan out. The Oilers often found themselves right back where they started: trying to find someone who could actually keep up with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

Matt Savoie appeared to fit in well Thursday in the game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the jury is still out on whether he can maintain that kind of play over the course of a season. One player that Oilers have stumbled upon that has quickly proven his worth is Jack Roslovic.

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Roslovic Has Been a Fantastic Team-Friendly Addition

He’s been the hottest non-superstar on the roster, blending speed, confidence, and an underrated knack for making plays under pressure. After a failed attempt to get signed by an NHL team and a change of agents caused him to miss all of training camp, he’s found his rhythm in Edmonton. He inked a cheap, one-year deal that the Oilers have been trying to find for a couple of seasons.

Bob Stauffer even compared Roslovic’s game to former Oilers winger Joe Murphy, and it tracks. Both have the skating, the release, and the swagger to attack off the rush.

Can Roslovic Keep It Up? If He Does, Then What?

If Roslovic keeps producing like this, he might be the best bargain contract in the NHL this season. And for the Oilers, that creates some interesting questions. They’ve churned through more than a dozen “maybe he can play with McDavid” experiments — Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Jesse Puljujarvi, Kailer Yamamoto, Dylan Holloway, Andreas Athanasiou, the list goes on…

But Roslovic is unique in that he seems to be fine with pushing the pace, seizing opportunities to score, or setting up his teammates. He’s not picky, and he’s not afraid to make the decision.

With McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Roslovic now forming a legitimately dangerous top six, Edmonton suddenly has stability. If Savoie can take the next step and continue to progress beyond Thursday night, the Oilers have an interesting mix.

A top line of McDavid, Draisaitl, and Savoie has speed and elite skill. A second line of Roslovic, Hyman, and Vasily Podkolzin adds some skill and grit.

How This Impacts Edmonton’s Trade Deadline Plans

Here’s the real twist: If Roslovic holds onto this job or re-signs with the Oilers, they won’t need to go fishing for a top-six winger in February. And that frees GM Stan Bowman to focus on the far bigger issue — upgrading the crease or bolstering the blue line.

That single shift could alter Edmonton’s entire deadline strategy. No more chasing wingers, no need for a costly winger rental, and no more stopgaps.

Next: Oilers Make 2 Key Roster Moves Ahead of Hyman’s Return