Joshua Roy's journey with the Montreal Canadiens is approaching a critical juncture. While the organization is committed to building a youthful and dynamic team, this focus may inadvertently create roadblocks for certain players, particularly Roy. A former fifth-round pick, Roy has steadily risen through the ranks since being drafted, but the Canadiens' increasing depth could soon leave him behind.
General Manager Kent Hughes' offseason moves have further complicated Roy's path to a consistent NHL role. The acquisition of Zachary Bolduc, a 22-year-old former first-rounder with top-six potential, and the selection of Alexander Zharovsky with a high second-round pick, add more competition. Moreover, Michael Hage, the Canadiens' 2024 first-round pick, is rapidly ascending the depth chart, potentially surpassing Roy in the pecking order. When combined with an already established top-six that includes Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and the newly acquired Ivan Demidov, the window of opportunity for Roy is narrowing.
The upcoming season may be a defining moment for Roy's future with the Canadiens. The departures of Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, and Emil Heineman have created openings in the bottom six, presenting Roy with a potential opportunity to secure a full-time NHL role. With roughly two spots up for grabs heading into training camp, Roy is in the mix. To seize this chance, he needs to demonstrate an improved two-way game, bring consistent energy, and contribute effectively to the second power-play unit. The Canadiens aren't necessarily looking for Roy to put up huge numbers but rather to be a useful, consistent, and coachable player in a depth role.
Roy has demonstrated his offensive capabilities in the AHL. Over the past two seasons with the Laval Rocket, he has recorded 33 goals and 67 points in 89 games, showcasing his hockey IQ, release, and vision. When injuries plagued the Canadiens last season, Roy received a significant opportunity with the NHL club. He has played in 35 NHL games over the last two seasons, scoring 6 goals and 11 points. A promising stretch came in 2024-25 when he played alongside Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook on the second line.
However, Roy's journey hasn't been without its challenges. In September 2023, despite a strong training camp, he was part of the final cuts to Laval, highlighting the intense competition for roster spots. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency and reliability are crucial for him to solidify his place in the NHL. The Canadiens assigned Roy to the Laval Rocket in April 2025, after adding Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov to their forward group. In 12 games with the Canadiens during the 2024-25 season, Roy scored two goals. He also had a strong showing in the AHL, with 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) in 46 games.
Roy is only 21 years old, but the Canadiens' forward group is rapidly evolving, making it increasingly difficult to envision where he fits in the long term. The organization is also developing other bottom-six options, such as Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen, who possess strong defensive skills and penalty-killing abilities. These are the roles Roy may need to adapt to if he wants to secure a spot in the NHL, though it won't be an easy transition. The Canadiens may consider trading Roy if he doesn't break into the lineup soon, as his value could diminish if his development stagnates.
