The Montreal Canadiens have many intriguing prospects and young players, but Joshua Roy stands out because of his draft stock.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, though he has plenty of skill, his lack of interest drew question marks. Defensively he made little to no effort and often he could be seen coasting, waiting for the puck, rather than working for it. But Roy turned a new leaf, exploding for two huge seasons in the QMJHL, before making the jump to the American Hockey League.
It's not a new thing for Roy to be doubted, and the last time he was, the QMJHL work was impressive. But his performance at the World Junior Championships, primarily on a line with Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard, was otherwordly. He was the perfect playmaker and his smarts in the neutral zone broke games open.
The last time Joshua Roy was doubted, he put up two of the most dominant seasons we've seen in the QMJHL and was a key player at the WJC representing Team Canada.
— Habs Chronicle (@HabsChronicle) October 7, 2024
He'll be back. We have no doubt.
I'm not sure what the case is, but for one reason or another Roy just didn't look as good as Oliver Kapanen or Emil Heineman.
The Canadiens set the bar higher
Martin St. Louis wasn't coy when he answered a question about Roy not making the team. He didn't believe that Roy did enough to make the team, while others left zero doubt. I mentioned Heineman and Kapanen making the team, but even one of the Habs newest additions Alex Barré-Boulet secured one of the open roster spots. Roy will certainly be in the mix at some point through the season, injuries happen and new opportunities present themselves.
#Habs Martin St-Louis on Joshua Roy not making the team: "we didn't feel like he earned a spot to begin here and I felt like Barré-Boulet earned a spot to be here - at the end of the day it's an internal competition..."
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 7, 2024
It's unfortunate for Roy, but the message sent to Roy should keep him on his toes. Roy knows what he brings and has proven that he can compete against NHL players. So, not making the team has to be a bit of a wake-up call, the Habs want to be competitive and that means selecting the players that are best prepared to play.
If anyone should be disappointed it is Roy, but I would think the time for disappointment will be short. The Laval Rocket will need Roy to lead and be an important piece of their fortunes. The focus has to be on Rocket training camp and making his presence known there.
I expect that Roy will find his groove and before long he will be on St. Louis's radar.