Winnipeg Jets: Should Jack Roslovic Return, Where Does he Fit in the Lineup?

Jack Roslovic remains unsigned for the Winnipeg Jets, but should he re-sign the Jets coaching staff must figure out where to fit Roslovic into the lineup.

The Winnipeg Jets last restricted free agent, Jack Roslovic still has not signed a new deal with the Jets. With the roster and forward lines already taking shape the big question is: If Roslovic re-signs, where does this the former first round pick fit in the lineup?

Roslovic, who was taken 25th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by Winnipeg, enjoyed his most productive campaign in the shortened 2019-20 season when he put up 12 goals and 17 assists in 71 games.

The Columbus native spent time in the top-six and enjoyed a few cameo appearances on the first power play unit, but he is projected to be on the third line this season, should he remain in the fold.

Roslovic oozes potential, potential that could see him to take another step forward in terms of improving his offensive production. However, with no arbitration rights, Jets fans could be waiting some time before the Jets and Roslovic agree to terms on a new contract.

The 23-year-old has slowly but steadily improved playing in the NHL and has the makings of a second line center, a role which he hasn’t been able to seize so far, but over time could be possible.

With that in mind, who will Roslovic likely be playing alongside, should he return?

NHL.com projects that Roslovic will be paired alongside Andrew Copp and Adam Lowry on the Jets third line. This line looks to be capable of effective checking through Lowry and Copp and is a line that could become even more dangerous offensively with Roslovic on board.

Roslovic matured in the 2019-20 season and seemed better prepared to deal with the rigors of life after a season of learning in 2018-19. Roslovic’s ability to slot in on the wing will likely see him playing alongside outside Lowry with Copp on the opposite flank.

This line projects as one that can check, provide plenty of puck possession and can compliment the top six with secondary scoring. Something that Roslovic continues to improve on is finding the back of the net, with nearly half of his 26 career goals coming last season.

However, with Paul Maurice struggling to find balance on his fourth line, Roslovic could potentially see time on the fourth line, a possibility which increases should the Columbus native not put pen to paper before training camp starts whenever that is.

Roslovic could add a bit of scoring punch and youth to a line that has a declining Mathieu Perreault and the ageing but effective Nate Thompson. Although it wouldn’t be shocking to see Jansen Harkins start the season on the fourth line. Harkins, Thompson, Roslovic would give Paul Maurice perhaps his strongest fourth line since Lowry anchored the group at the backend of 2017-18.

Although this could happen, it appears unlikely. Roslovic spent much of 2018-19 playing bottom six minutes, finishing with a decent point total of 24, with 15 assists over 77 games. However, throughout the season a lack of offensive firepower around him was evident, Roslovic seemed to fade out offensively in what was essentially a sophomore slump.

The 23-year-old stands to build on a strong campaign last season and despite the depth of offensive talent at the Jets disposal the team is undoubtedly better with Roslovic in their lineup.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: If Jack Roslovic re-signs, where do you think we will find him on the Jets depth chart for this upcoming season? Leave your comments below!

*All Stats Provided by the NHL*