96 days until the season opener

There are 96 days left until the season opener, so who better else to talk about than Jack Roslovic.

The center and Columbus, Ohio native has had his ups and downs since he was traded to Columbus in 2021, especially in the eyes of fans and GM Jarmo Kekalainen. But is it warranted?

On the surface, Roslovic has shown steady improvement in terms of production. Since coming to the CBJ, he has set his career mark in goals (22) and assists (33) and points (45). His faceoff % has been up and down, but nowhere near 50%. And last season, had it not been for missing five games, he probably would’ve beat his career high in points.

But what about other aspects of his game? Last season he was healthy scratched and benched in a game, and in a season like they just had, with injuries everywhere and a roster being filled with AHL players, a vet like Jack Roslovic shouldn’t have to be scratched. GM Kekalainen has stated many times publicly that Roslovic needs to be more consistent. In times through-out his time here in Columbus, he has gone invisible, and with what he is making in salary, it’s understandable why Jarmo would make those comments. Roslovic could be an amazing center in this league if he could be more engaged and consistent.

Roslovic is currently in the final year of his deal, scheduled to make $4 million. He is making more than the Captain of the Blue Jackets, Boone Jenner. Jenner is also signed through 2026. He’s making more than another Columbus area native, Sean Kuraly. Kuraly is making $2.5 million per season. And although Kuraly doesn’t have the points production Roslovic has, he has other intangibles. Kuraly plays on the 3^rd and 4^th line most nights, grinding away and playing hard every shift. When Kuraly is on the ice, it's apparent. Also, when Kuraly is in a mood, the arena knows it because he’s hitting everything that moves. Roslovic’s game is definitely not like Kuraly's however.

When people look over the roster situation, there’s one glaring player that sticks out, Jack Roslovic. As stated, he’s entering the final year of his contract, and Jarmo Kekalainen has guys like Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and Cole SIllinger to sign soon and will need some room to work. Roslovic is a fan favorite in Columbus. Anytime the team signs local players, they instantly become favorites, so this one will be hard to take for some fans, but in looking towards the future, this move is a necessity.

Trading Roslovic would most likely just bring back picks, and it would be a tough day for Roslovic fans, but this business is harsh, and when you’re dealing with a team that wants to win sooner AND later, these kinds of moves need to happen for that sustained success.