Jack Roslovic, recently acquired by the New York Rangers from Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ), is poised to make a significant impact on his new team. Roslovic, who has amassed 13 points in his last 12 games and was one of only two CBJ forwards with a +50% expected goals for percentage (xGF), is expected to play a top-line role alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. His performance, highlighted by a 0.58 points per game (PPG) rate, is anticipated to improve within the Rangers' lineup, which boasts higher standings. Rangers' management and head coach Peter Laviolette have recognized Roslovic's potential fit within the top line but have not confirmed his exact position. Roslovic, who scored at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on February 25, expressed his excitement about joining a playoff-contending team and hinted at a natural fit with the Rangers even before the trade. His debut game for the Rangers is highly anticipated, with expectations of him playing primarily on the wing but also taking a few shifts at center to maintain versatility.
Nothing to show for it yet on the scoresheet, but Jack Roslovic has looked solid early playing with Kreider and Zibanejad. That line has generated a couple scoring chances, and Roslovic just had a dangerous shot attempt off the slot. It bounced off Krug's skate.
Roslovic getting the start in his Rangers debut (with Mika, Kreider, K'Andre, Schneider and Igor) #NYR
As suspected, Roslovic slots right in on the top line. Here's what he and Peter Laviolette had to say about his potential fit there #NYR 👇https://t.co/FXvdA1jCdO
#NYR warmup lines and D pairs: 20-93-96 (Roslovic) 10-16-13 50-91 (Wennberg)-24 26-21-73 55-23 79-4 6-56 31 32
Igor Shesterkin leads the #NYR out for pregame warmups vs. Blues
When Jack Roslovic played at MSG less than 2 weeks ago with #CBJ, did the thought cross his mind he could soon find himself on the #NYR side? “Sure,” he said with a grin. Here’s why the Rangers had the same thought + a projection for the new-look lineup https://t.co/FXvdA1jCdO
What will the lineup look like with Roslovic and Wennberg set to make their #NYR debuts tonight? Here's my best educated guess + our first chance to hear from Roslovic and Ruhwedel on their reactions to the trades and what they'll bring to the table 👇https://t.co/FXvdA1jCdO
Peter Laviolette sees Jack Roslovic as more of a wing, but the #NYR head coach said he wouldn't mind seeing a few shifts at center just to "keep him in that mix." "He'll play wing," he added. "But you might see him on a few shifts at center."
Lavi didn't want to say for sure where Roslovic will slot in, but on the possibility of playing with Kreider and Zib, he said, "I do think that there's potential for that to work." "I've always liked the way he played the game. He brings speed when the pucks on his stick." #NYR
Roslovic said he had a feeling he might get dealt - and even had it in the back of his mind that #NYR could be a fit when he scored at MSG on 2/25. "It's a big jump up (in the standings) pretty quick. It's fun to be back to playing fast and being on a good playoff team."
Roslovic confirmed he’s in the lineup tonight #NYR
Will Roslovic play with Kreider and Zibanejad? Drury: "That’s for Lavi. I’m not going to comment on the lineup or lines. He is obviously a right shot. He could be a good natural fit on the right wing with those two, but that's for Lavi and his staff to figure out." #NYR
The more I'm looking into Roslovic, the more I think it could be a sneaky bargain. He's hot lately (13P in last 12G) and was one of only two CBJ FWDs with a +50% xGF. "Skill, speed and hockey sense," said one source, who believes he'll improve his 0.58 PPG on a better team. #NYR
Roslovic to Rangers #CBJ https://t.co/13iSsBR9ZR
#NYR practice lines: Kreider - Zib - Kakko Panarin - Trocheck - Laf Cuylle - Wennberg - Vesey Brodzinski - Goodrow - Rempe For the moment, Edström looks like the odd-man out.