3 free agent forwards from the Eastern Conference the St. Louis Blues must avoid

Jack Roslovic, New York Rangers

Jack Roslovic had a couple of decent seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets between 2021-22 and 2022-23, totaling 89 points and 33 goals in 158 games with a 13.0 shooting percentage, and solid play in the defensive zone. This time last year, I would have said Roslovic would have made for a decent depth scorer on a good team, or at worst, someone who could help his linemates score following a 2022-23 season in which he logged 33 assists. 

This year, that productivity decreased to 31 points and nine goals in 59 games, and Roslovic’s game in the defensive zone also didn’t improve. He wasn’t getting in front of as many shots, he wasn’t as physical, and he also wasn’t poking the puck free as often. That trend continued during his 19 games with the New York Rangers, and it could signify Roslovic’s game is starting to head south. 

To his defense, he does have five points and two goals in seven playoff games as of May 10th, and that physicality has also returned. But then again, the sense of urgency you see in playoff hockey with a team that is on a roll, it’s hard to say whether it’s more Roslovic or the fact that the Rangers are just peaking at the right time. 

While there is a surefire chance he parlays what should be a valiant effort in the playoffs to whichever team he joins in 2024-25, a team like the Blues needs a more consistent player. Roslovic may be productive in small stints, but that was something they saw from far too many players this year. 

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)