If you need to be reminded of the Montreal Canadiens bright future, look no further than Joshua Roy, who has been leading the Rocket, which most fans might not know.
Sure in Montreal, and around the fanbase it is important how prospects are doing, sometimes certain prospects even get fans watching NCAA or European league hockey games. But the fans are locked in on the NHL club, which is amidst a very strong stretch. The stretch has carried the Canadiens into a wildcard spot as of Monday night, after a 5-4 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks.
But one of their most promising young talents, Roy, has been playing brilliantly with the Rocket, sharpening his tools in anticipation of a future call-up. I think that it may come toward's season's end unless Hughes gets crafty at the Trade Deadline. I think that Roy's next call-up will be the last one; I think he is ready to grab a roster spot, like Emil Heineman and run with it.
Joshua Roy leads the Laval Rocket in scoring with 13 goals, 25 pts in 29 games. I totally forgot about him. Habs really are loaded with young talent. #GoHabsGo
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 6, 2025
Laval's roster isn't exactly loaded with talent, so there isn't much competition for Roy, in terms of point producers. But let's not discredit what Roy is doing in the American Hockey League. Obviously he is getting premium ice time, thanks to his strong two-way play, and the offense looks pretty impressive (25 points in 29 games).
It's going to get to the point where there are too many chefs in one kitchen, and Hughes is going to have to make some hard decisions. For example, next season I expect that Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen and Roy will be in the mix. That's not even considering that Patrik Laine could be in the conversation, and Ivan Demidov will be competing for a spot.
Montreal is loaded with young talent at forward and on the blue line, and with two more first-round selections at the 2025 drafts, Hughes isn't done stocking the Habs cupboard. Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler are playing their best hockey, and Samuel Montembeault has been steady. We won't leave out the Canadiens defence, and Lane Hutson, who was brilliant against the Canucks - a duel between undersized, overly-skilled, offensive defenseman - Hutson reigned superior over Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.
It's easy being a fan
We have all seen our fair share of keyboard warriors, and armchair general managers. Having said that, I am not envious of the decisions that Hughes is going to have to make over the next few seasons. There are too many forwards, and only 12 spots on the roster for them, which indicates that some guys will be moved.
Veteran presence remains an important part of the Habs' identity, giving some mentor roles to the older players. I do think, however, that at some point, a decision has to be made - do the veterans continue taking away a spot from the young guys? With Joel Armia, Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher in the mix, that is three spots taken up, and there are more than three guys who will want a spot with the Canadiens.
I will continue to watch, and would obviously take Hughes role, but I am certain that he works his tail off for the pay he gets. A very generous pay no doubt, but not one that he hasn't earned