Jack Roslovic
The Edmonton Oilers have much to do this offseason, with 8 free agents to sign, including Roslovic, an Unrestricted Free Agent. Roslovic finished his season with the Oilers with 21 goals, 15 assists, and 4 power-play goals. While he spends most of his time on the right wing, he is also capable of filling in at center, which bodes well for the team. This would likely mean an odd man out for the Blues, and with Jonatan Berggren and Oskar Sundqvist free agents, the room is there. Roslovic would likely make an immediate impact, adding scoring depth on the second line with Jordan Kyrou or on the third with Jake Neighbors. Overall, Roslovic has been a consistent contributor to the Oilers and has verbally expressed his wish to remain an Oiler. Plus, I don’t know how willing he would be to take a short-term deal to make room for players like Justin Carbonneau. This is the least likely scenario.
Alexander Kerfoot
Alexander Kerfoot is a versatile center who sees the ice well and, like Buchnevich, is known as a “pass-first” player. Although he struggled with injuries this past season, he has consistently added scoring depth in a full season. Since his NHL debut in 2017, he’s had just 3 seasons with fewer than 10 goals. He might be the perfect fit to help plug holes up and down the lineup due to injuries, lack of production, or matchup advantages. Kerfoot is also a player the Blues could acquire at a reasonable cost, possibly on a short-term basis. The key question is whether he can regain his health this year. Can the Blues give him sufficient ice time amid the youth movement?
Erik Haula
Erik Haula is another versatile forward who plays both left wing and center while providing the scoring depth the Blues need. In 81 games last season, Haula contributed 14 goals and 24 assists while playing on the second or third line. This is a cost-controlled player the Blues could pick up if they wanted to. The question is whether the Blues would be willing to reconstruct their lines. It may require slotting Dalibor Dvorsky on the fourth line and Pius Suter on the third. I’m not quite sure the Blues want to do so, especially with Dvorsky, whom they consider an asset to their future.
The Blues face difficult decisions this offseason. It’s a balancing act between developing assets for their future, keeping the pipelines open for prospects in the system, and filling holes to stay competitive. No matter the case, the Blues can reconstruct their roster if they choose.
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