NHL trade rumors: Canucks have "cooled" off on Jack Roslovic pursuit, still "kicking tires" on adding a centre

The Vancouver Canucks were initially interested in signing unrestricted free agent forward Jack Roslovic.

Roslovic was seen as a potential fit for the Canucks’ need for a middle-six center or versatile forward, especially after trading Dakota Joshua to free up $3.25 million in cap space.

However, insider Thomas Drance of The Athletic reported that the Canucks had “cooled significantly” on pursuing Roslovic, as they did not see him or any remaining free agents as the solution to their need for a true second-line center.

"At this point, from what I can gather from senior club sources informed about the organization’s thinking on the matter, the Canucks have cooled significantly on the prospect of adding Roslovic as an unrestricted free agent at this point. Vancouver is still in the market to land a centre, but the trade market is viewed as a more likely and realistic route of addressing the club’s greatest remaining need," he wrote.

Drance also mentioned that the Vancouver Canucks are actively exploring trade options to address their need for a credible middle-six center. The Canucks would be willing to execute a trade if it brought in a player fitting this role, even if the center leaned more toward a defensive style of play.

Jack Roslovic is coming off a 22-goal, 39-point season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Concerns about his fit as a full-time second-line center, defensive play, and contract demands were carefully evaluated before the Canucks decided not to pursue him.

Analyst reacts to Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes ranking among top defensemen

NHL analyst Matthew Sekers reacted to Canucks captain Quinn Hughes being ranked second among the league's top defensemen by NHL Network, behind Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar.

On the "Sekers and Price" podcast, Sekers suggested that Hughes' reduced ice time and Makar's additional Norris Trophy win were key factors in the ranking:

“NHL Network is out with its ranking of top Defensemen. Quinn Hughes comes in as number 2 after Cale Makar. I don't think that's any surprise after Hughes missed some time last season. Played through some injuries, not to mention Makar has another Norris Trophy win. Here’s what I will say is this year the rubber match between them.”

Quinn Hughes finished as the leading scorer for the Canucks last season, after notching 76 points through 16 goals and 60 assists in 68 games.

Also Read: NHL analyst shoots down Luke Hughes–Canucks rumors linking him with brother Quinn

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta