As the dust settles on a busy offseason for the Montreal Canadiens, one question continues to loom large over the team’s plans for the upcoming season: who will step up as the crucial second-line center?

Despite a flurry of signings and promising prospects waiting in the wings, the answer remains elusive, leaving both management and fans searching for solutions. While young talent like Michael Hage offers hope for the future, the immediate need for a reliable presence down the middle has kept the rumor mill spinning throughout the summer.

With the trade market presenting its own challenges and uncertainties, attention has shifted to the last remaining options in free agency. Among them, Jack Roslovic stands out as an intriguing, if somewhat complicated, possibility.

The former first-round pick has shown flashes of offensive upside and versatility, but his reported contract demands may give the Canadiens pause.

As speculation swirls around Roslovic’s future and the team’s next move, the pressure is on for general manager Kent Hughes to find the right fit—one that balances short-term needs with long-term goals.

For now, the search for Montreal’s next second-line center is far from over, and the hockey world is watching closely.

Jan 9, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) and center Jack Roslovic (96) celebrate after their victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Even though Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens had a strong summer, one major issue clearly remains unresolved. Yes, we’re talking about the ever-important question of who will be the next second-line center.

There’s hope that the answer will eventually be Michael Hage, but until then, it remains a need to fill.

There are some options on the trade market, like Nazem Kadri, but there’s also one last option left in free agency.

Center Jack Roslovic Is Still a Free Agent and His Asking Price Has Been Revealed

If the Montreal Canadiens want to land Roslovic, Kent Hughes will need to offer him a three-year deal.

Cam Robinson on Jack Roslovic: “His camp is looking for ideally a three year deal”

– Sekeres and Price

That helps explain why the Canadiens haven’t reached out, even though he’s available “for free” on the open market.

Personally, I think Roslovic could’ve been a solid short-term option for the Habs while waiting on Michael Hage – but not for three years.

A one-year deal, or at most a two-year deal, could’ve been interesting for Kent Hughes, but I just don’t see how they could give Roslovic three years.

Jack Roslovic, 28, is a 6-foot-1, 198-pound center who was a first-round pick by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015.

Over the past few seasons, he’s produced at the following paces (per 82 games): 58 points, 46 points, 47 points, 43 points, and 40 points.

Do you think he’s better than Kirby Dach?