Entering November, the Edmonton Oilers were looking for a sense of identity as to what this iteration of the team really offers. With Connor McDavid taking an as-yet-unheard-of pay cut and GM Stan Bowman managing to bring in some late reinforcements in the form of Jack Roslovic, the expectation was that the Oilers would send an early message that they’re even more fearsome this time around.
So far, however, the Oilers’ attempts to string together a convincing run of results have fallen flat. Saturday night may just have offered a glimpse of what that run might look like, with Roslovic front and center.
Oilers Scrape By With OT Win Vs. Blackhawks as Jack Roslovic Shines
The Oilers shuffled their lineup a bit Saturday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, giving Roslovic a look on the top-unit power play. The former Carolina Hurricanes forward did not disappoint, banking in a shot off a slinging pass from Connor McDavid to put it past Spencer Knight and put the Oilers up 2-1.
The Oilers still needed overtime to squeeze a win out of the weekend, with Evan Bouchard supplying the goods. But when all was said and done, McDavid had some flowery words for Roslovic.
“He was great,” McDavid said. “Honestly, he’s been great since he’s been here. It’s pretty impressive, really. Doesn’t have a camp. Jumps right in and looks really dangerous every game. He’s been great.”
“Still some things to clean up.”
Connor McDavid shares his thoughts on the 3-2 OT victory over Chicago. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/rnfDVfgIpw
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 2, 2025
Before the game, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch explained the rationale behind giving Roslovic a shot on the top power play unit. “We want a right-hand shot to get in front of the goalie. Jack could help with our entries with his speed,” Knoblauch said.
The Oilers signed Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million contract early in October. He was heavily favored to move to the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun noted that Roslovic turned down “a better financial offer” before signing for the Oilers on the cheap.
Entering 2025/26, Roslovic had 102 goals and 260 points in 526 career NHL games.
His Oilers teammates might take a second to get accustomed to his pass-first tendencies. But after a period of acclimatization, it appears he has fully bought into Knoblauch’s style of play, even if that style varies from game to game.
When all was said and done, the Oilers wrapped up a nervy win with the usual suspects among the contributors. Leon Draisaitl racked up a goal and an assist. Connor McDavid assisted all three goals Edmonton scored on the night, putting Bouchard on the scoresheet in overtime. Stuart Skinner, who has come under fire of late, finished the game with 27 saves.