Joshua Roy’s NHL Aspirations Diminished by Canadiens’ Roster Decisions
The journey to becoming a professional hockey player is fraught with challenges that extend far beyond the rink. However, it’s ultimately performance on the ice that determines whether a player can secure a spot in the NHL. Former Montreal Canadiens draft pick and seasoned NHL player Gilbert Delorme has expressed reservations about forward prospect Joshua Roy’s potential to make that leap.
Training Camp Showdown
As Roy enters the final year of his entry-level contract, this training camp has been labeled a make-or-break opportunity for the 22-year-old winger. Despite a promising junior career, Roy failed to leave a lasting impression during this critical period. Following a recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canadiens announced their first round of cuts, which included Roy among two dozen players reassigned to the AHL to begin the Laval Rocket’s training camp.
Drafted in the fifth round in 2021, Roy showcased his offensive prowess in junior hockey, racking up 67 points in 88 games for Laval over the last two seasons. In an effort to elevate his game, he participated in an intense UFC-style training program over the summer, aiming to secure his place on the Canadiens’ roster. Unfortunately, when the preseason unfolded, Roy’s performance fell short of expectations.
The Emotional Toll of Cuts
Montreal radio personality Shaun Starr empathized with Roy’s plight, acknowledging the psychological burden associated with being among the first players cut. “I kind of feel for the kid, man,” Starr remarked. “He tried to do so much work in the offseason. He recognized faults in his game. He tried to make some adjustments to fix those faults. And it’s got to be psychologically tough, man, to be a part of the first wave of cuts.”
However, Delorme was more critical, asserting that Roy squandered his last chance with the Canadiens. “I’ll say it: Joshua Roy will not play for the Canadiens,” he stated firmly. “There’s no malice, nothing against the kid, but there’s no room for a guy like that. I’m sorry, but no, there’s no room for a guy like that.”
The Rise of Florian Xhekaj
As Roy’s prospects dimmed, attention shifted to other emerging talents, particularly Florian Xhekaj. Marco D’Amico from RG Media highlighted the stark contrast between the two players, noting that while Roy possesses more skill, Xhekaj brings invaluable intangibles to the team. “The reason why the Canadiens are looking at Florian Xhekaj more than Joshua Roy, despite Joshua being a more skilled player, is because [Xhekaj] brings more value to the team,” D’Amico explained.
Xhekaj’s versatility is a significant asset; he can contribute on the penalty kill, play both wing and center, and adds a physical presence on the ice. This layered approach to his game gives him a competitive edge that Roy has yet to match. “So the more layered your game is, the more value you bring to a team,” D’Amico concluded, emphasizing that unfortunately, Roy lacks those extra dimensions in his play.
As the Canadiens move forward with their roster decisions, the contrast between Roy’s unfulfilled potential and Xhekaj’s burgeoning promise underscores the relentless nature of professional sports—a landscape where skill alone may not be enough to secure a future in the NHL.
