Vancouver Canucks Scale Back Pursuit for Free Agent Jack Roslovic Amid Center Search | Times of India NHL News

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly no longer interested in NHL free agent Jack Roslovic. Despite showing an interest in the 28-year-old athlete last month, the Canucks have apparently decided to pursue other options, as per a report from The Athletic’s Thomas Drance.

Instead of Roslovic, the Canucks are trying to secure a long-term solution to improve their center depth via the trade market.

Jack Roslovic has been linked with the Canucks numerous times in the past two offseasons. He last signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he played well, pumping in 22 goals from 81 games while also spending more time at center than in previous seasons.

Despite Roslovic’s talents and versatility, the Canucks are looking for a more permanent addition to their squad. They are seeking stability behind their major player, Elias Pettersson, and the talented but injury-prone Filip Chytil. The Canucks organization is reportedly ready to execute a trade immediately if a credible center can be obtained, even a defensively oriented one.

For Roslovic, good offers have been scarce. Although earlier this month at least five teams had shown interest in him, the market appears to have hardened now. With the proximity of training camps, unsigned players are more likely to get one-year contracts or opportunities to try out professionally.

Initially, Roslovic seemed destined to land a three-year deal with an annual value of over $4 million. However, he might now have to settle for a short-term contract similar to the $2.8 million one he secured last year.

Though he has capabilities, speed, and consistency to fit into the top-nine, teams are unwilling to commit long-term at this late stage in the offseason. Despite still being an interesting option in free agency, Vancouver Canucks is no longer likely to be his destination. His options are dwindling, and unless a team comes forward with a multi-year offer, he may have to once again prove himself on a short-term contract.