'It's Going to Take a Trade': Canucks Reportedly No Longer Frontrunners for Jack Roslovic, New Path Emerges
Photo credit: Edit from Canucks Army
The Canucks are reportedly no longer the frontrunners to land Jack Roslovic, as a new path has emerged and a trade is the likely avenue, per insider Thomas Drance.
When the Canucks traded Dakota Joshua, plenty of speculation ensued about whether or not they would turn to the late-summer free-agent pool to address the centre need.
The likes of Jack Roslovic were discussed at the time, but the Canucks never considered him, nor those other players still unsigned, as a complete fix for the centre depth issue.
That assessment hasn't changed since mid-July. The front office has completed its due diligence on free agents available and talked to head coach Adam Foote, but the conclusion remains the same: internal players may offer greater promise short term.
With Filip Chytil likely to be ready and Aatu Räty showing real improvement late in last season, management believes that the team is well-covered to make do without spending on a free-agent Band-Aid.
Jack Roslovic Remains Top Free Agent on the Market, Will Likely Not Be Headed to Vancouver
That, in turn, has tamed the Canucks interest in Roslovic quite a bit, per NHL insider Thomas Drance.
"Hearing the Canucks have cooled off on pursuing late summer UFA Jack Roslovic.
Club wants a full-time centre upgrade, and doesn't see that player available in the UFA bargain bin. It's going to take a trade.
- Thomas Drance
Club wants a full-time centre upgrade, and doesn't see that player available in the UFA bargain bin. It's going to take a trade.
- Thomas Drance
While Vancouver's centre is still its largest requirement, the feeling is inwardly that a free-agent signing isn't the solution desired long term. Rather, the trade path is being viewed as the more realistic option.
The Canucks are already on the hunt, and from team sources, they'd be quick to deal if the right opportunity presented itself. A good middle-six centre, even one more defensively than offensively oriented, would be enough to get action started.
For the time being, Vancouver looks patient but firm. The message is unmistakable: the proper centre remains on the wish list, but he's more apt to arrive through trade than free agency.
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