The Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads with forward Joshua Roy, prompting the question: is it time to move on? Roy, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, has struggled to find a consistent role with the Canadiens, despite flashes of potential.
Roy's journey with the Canadiens has been marked by inconsistency. After a dominant junior career with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, where he amassed over 200 points, Roy transitioned to professional hockey with the Laval Rocket. His strong performance in the AHL earned him several call-ups to the Canadiens, including a 23-game stint in the 2023-2024 season where he recorded nine points. However, he has been unable to secure a permanent roster spot.
This season, Roy has once again been assigned to the Laval Rocket after being cut from training camp. He was briefly recalled to the Canadiens in November, playing in a few games before being sent back down. In 10 AHL games this season, he has recorded four goals and three assists. In 35 NHL career games, Roy has accumulated 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points.
Several factors contribute to the argument for the Canadiens to consider trading Roy. The team's forward depth has increased, with young players like Owen Beck, Florian Xhekaj, and Oliver Kapanen seemingly ahead of Roy in the pecking order. This logjam makes it difficult for Roy to get consistent playing time and develop his game at the NHL level.
Furthermore, Roy's skill set may not perfectly align with the Canadiens' long-term vision. While he possesses a good shot and offensive instincts, his skating and overall consistency have been questioned. He is a good third or fourth-line forward who brings in speed and physicality. With the Canadiens prioritizing speed and skill, Roy's role within the team's future plans remains uncertain.
Despite these concerns, Roy still holds value as a potential trade asset. He is a Quebec native who was drafted by Montreal. At 22 years old, he is still young with offensive upside. He also displayed good hockey sense and defensive awareness. Several teams seeking to bolster their depth or add offensive talent may find Roy an intriguing target. Some NHL general managers have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Roy.
The Canadiens could potentially package Roy in a deal to acquire a player who better fits their needs, or they could trade him for draft picks to further strengthen their prospect pool. General manager Kent Hughes has been actively exploring trade options to improve the team.
Ultimately, the decision to move on from Joshua Roy is a complex one. While he has shown flashes of promise, his inability to secure a consistent role with the Canadiens, coupled with the team's evolving needs, suggests that a change of scenery may be in the best interest of both parties. As Roy and his representatives are scheduled to meet with Canadiens management soon, potential trade options will likely be discussed.
