"Two years ago when I got the one game, it was awesome. The year after that everyone had expectations, and I had expectations myself. Just to get the half season was great, and I didn't want it to be a taste. I wanted it to be a real thing, and be a full-time spot.
"I think I've set myself up pretty good for that. Nothing is given in this league. You have to work every day, day to day, to achieve that."
The Columbus, Ohio native did everything he could to make sure he put that work in.
Since being drafted 25th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, Roslovic has always been near the top during fitness testing at training camp.
This summer, he wanted to get even better.
"I always say just get better at your strengths, and always work to improve your weaknesses," said Roslovic. "But my strength is speed, and being able to be conditioned. (To) be able to go out there and still perform late in the third or in overtime. I just worked on that with my trainer and he knew what I needed, he knew what I wanted to do, and he tailored a program for me."
The speedy forward, wearing his new number 28 on his practice jersey, is one of 14 skaters taking part in an informal 'mini camp' prior to the official start of training camp.
It's his first chance to see how his off-season training has paid off, and get his body used to the fundamentals of Jets hockey.
"It's nice to get back and brush up on some of the team aspects, and some of the system aspects," Roslovic said. "(These are) some of the things we pride ourselves on as a team that you don't necessarily work on in the summer."
His hope is that commitment to his craft earns him a full-time spot on the Jets roster when the regular season opens up on October 4 in St. Louis.
A spot he wants to keep all season.
"The depth really shows on this team. It really speaks to the work that the organization puts in to find their players, their prospects, and their young talent," said Roslovic. "For me, it's definitely a great opportunity and a great time to maybe step in and play the centre job. I'm pretty familiar with it."
As for that new number 28? When he expressed interest in changing it from the 52 he's worn since his first training camp, he had two choices.
"I wore 28 one year. It was one of my best years in junior hockey. When I was younger, I was 96. And 96 was my number," he said with a grin. "I had 96 and 28, I had to pick one of the two, and I don't want to be that aggressive, so I went with 28."
