The Washington Capitals missed out on Nikolaj Ehlers, the top free agent forward this summer, and clearly the club’s top target. Ehlers spurned the Capitals after a few days of deliberation and signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
However, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Ehlers and later Anthony Beauvillier were not the only free agents the team discussed bringing in. The Capitals reportedly had interest in UFA forward Jack Roslovic, who played this past season with the Hurricanes.
“I thought Carolina was the team for Ehlers all the way, the team to beat, but I think Washington at least made him think,” Friedman said. “They took a huge run at it. They were really serious about Ehlers. I think they were prepared to give him what he wanted in the lineup, contract-wise, but obviously just didn’t get it done, and they brought back Anthony Beauvillier, who was kinda waiting to hear what was going to happen.
“I also heard the Capitals took a long look at Jack Roslovic, who still is not signed, so we’ll see what goes on there.”
Roslovic, 28, recorded 39 points (22g, 17a) in 81 games for the Hurricanes during the 2024-25 campaign. He added four points (1g, 3a) in nine playoff games but was also healthy scratched several times during the postseason by head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
The Ohio native plays both wing and center and could provide the Capitals with further lineup options, particularly regarding where Connor McMichael eventually slots in.
Roslovic had his best year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, recording 45 points (22g, 23a) in 81 games during the 2021-22 season. The former Winnipeg Jets first-round pick signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Hurricanes last summer.
According to PuckPedia, the Capitals have $4.125 million in cap space. General manager Chris Patrick spoke Saturday about the team’s plans after missing out on Ehlers and seemed to indicate the trade market could be where they look next, which could rule out further dealings with Roslovic.
