Edmonton Oilers

Rumored Raise Ruining Plans by Oilers to Re-Sign Roslovic

Jack Roslovic is due for a big raise, but his rumored contract ask could change how the Oilers approach re-signing him this season.

by
NHL Trade Talk
January 10, 2026

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in keeping Jack Roslovic around, but how much that’s going to cost — and whether it’s worth it — has been the subject of conversation over the past couple of days inside media circles.

Fans and a couple of analysts have tried to predict what Roslovic’s next contract would be worth if the two sides reach common ground and sign an extension before free agency.

Rumors suggest Roslovic could be looking for something in the neighborhood of $6 million per season on a three-year deal, possibly even pushing $6.5 million annually with trade protection attached. That’s a massive jump from his current $1.5 million cap hit, and not everyone is convinced it makes sense. Ryan Rishaug suggests that will be the going rate if Roslovic continues to produce, but Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer has already hinted that the number might not get that high.

Given that Roslovic would need to take a discount to stay in Edmonton, and that he fired his agent and went through a trying process to find a team to take him this past summer, he might be open to a deal in a place he feels comfortable and desired.

But, even a discount version of that deal would force Edmonton into some tough cap decisions.

Roslovic Has Been a Great Fit for the Oilers

On the ice, Roslovic has been a great addition for the Oilers. He’s been one of Edmonton’s more productive forwards this season, ranking fifth among Oilers forwards in scoring with 12 goals and 20 points in 31 games. Before his injury, he was thriving in a top-six role, even without much time on the first power-play unit. Now healthy, he’s being tested as the third-line center — a role Edmonton has struggled to stabilize for years. Centering Isaac Howard and Matthew Savoie, the line has speed, skill, and looks legitimately dangerous.

His Playoff Performance Will Determine His Next Contract

Still, the real question hasn’t been answered yet. As Ryan Rishaug bluntly put it, “How’s (Roslovic) going to do when it gets real in the playoffs?” That’s the real measuring stick the Oilers are most concerned about. Not only for themselves, but because Roslovic’s playoff history has been brought into question.

Paying $6 million-plus for a third-line center only works if that player drives play, wins tough minutes, and produces when the games tighten up. In Carolina, his former coach, Rob Brind’Amour, decided to make Roslovic a healthy scratch. The hint here is that he didn’t or doesn’t work hard enough in crunch time.

Edmonton does have cheaper internal options coming, and cap flexibility remains an issue with contracts that are difficult to move. The Oilers may like Roslovic, but the playoffs will decide whether they need him at his rumored asking price.

Right now, Edmonton holds the leverage — and they’d be smart to wait.

Next: Report: Trade Rumors Around Linus Ullmark Started Before Off-Ice Drama