Montreal Canadiens 2021 fifth round selection Joshua Roy has inched himself towards a permanent role with every passing shift.
The intelligence that he displays each shift is near elite, and the little plays are occurring at an increased rate. If you didn't know it, Roy has played just 17 games with the Habs, but the poise he plays with is beyond his years. The dual threat ability has fit into the Canadiens lineup like a needle in a groove.
Forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and pivoting towards the attacking zone have been his bread and butter. It's impressive at any rate, but when the competition is Roman Josi, that's a whole other level. You could see how visibly frustrated the Predators No. 1 defender got, and Roy made it seem so routine.
SWEET LORD WHAT A GOAL BY JOSHUA ROY pic.twitter.com/LWUlypogO6
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) March 6, 2024
It is not routine to come into the league as a rookie and make Norris Trophy winning defenceman look silly. What he did after forcing the turnover is even more impressive, especially consider the score of the game and the time on the clock. The Habs were down 3-2 in need of something to happen - Roy answered forcing a turnover, then walked into the zone and sniped a wrister past Juuse Saros.
Roy knew how important the goal was, given that his usual calm, collected demeanour changed. He was pumped, and his fist bump motion after the tally told the story. Each night Roy makes smart, high IQ plays; they don't always translate, but they don't go unnoticed.
Roy is what Martin St. Louis has coined a hockey player, he doesn't play second fiddle, but is in the middle of the action constantly. A gamer in the truest sense, Roy thrives on pressure and if he is already victimizing Norris winning defenseman, I am pumped for what's to come. Before his call up, I wondered if he would be more than a top nine forward, but I am thinking there's high potential than that.
Offensively the tools are there, he is shifty both with his feet and puckhandling, and he isn't trigger shy. We have yet to see his one timer, but in junior and in Laval he showed a capability of overwhelming goaltenders with it. Oh ya, his wrist shot is pretty wicked as well.