Joshua Roy’s Summer Transformation
This summer could be a pivotal moment in the career of Joshua Roy. Once a player whose dedication was often in question, Roy has dedicated himself to a transformative offseason, one that could redefine his trajectory in the NHL. Drafted in the fifth round by the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, Roy is now entering the final year of his entry-level contract. After three seasons filled with promise yet marked by inconsistency at the NHL level, he has spent the past few months reshaping the narrative of his professional journey.
A New Focus on Fitness
Under the watchful eye of renowned trainer John Chaimberg, who has worked with elite athletes like UFC legend Georges St-Pierre and NHL star Kris Letang, Roy has made significant strides. He dropped from 204 pounds to 190, shedding excess weight while enhancing his lean muscle mass. This transformation has not only improved his physique but has also positively impacted his skating and stamina. Chaimberg, initially uncertain about Roy’s fitness level, expressed surprise at the young winger’s dedication. “I didn’t know what to expect with Josh,” he admitted. “I had heard rumors about him that he wasn’t in good shape and needed to work on some things. I gave him a try, and I wasn’t sure I’d take him under my wing.”
Now, Chaimberg has no regrets about mentoring Roy, labeling him as “the MVP of our summer.” “Frankly, I’ve never seen such an improvement in one summer,” he added, highlighting the dramatic changes Roy has made.
A Shift in Mindset
Speed, which had been Roy’s Achilles heel just a year ago, is now a hallmark of his game. He focused on nutritional adjustments, cutting down on carbohydrates and controlling portion sizes, all while building a physical foundation that will stand up to the competition during training camp. “I’m going to be a lot faster,” Roy confidently stated. “I feel it every time I step on the ice. I’m leaner, faster. It’s going to change my game.”
This change is crucial for Roy, as his impressive junior career has yet to translate to success at the professional level. He set a franchise record with the Lévis Chevaliers in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League in 2018-19, leading the league with 88 points. His success continued in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he won the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the league’s top scorer for the 2021-22 season, amassing 51 goals and 68 assists for a remarkable 119 points in just 66 games. His accolades also include two Paul Dumont Trophy wins and first-team all-star selections in the QMJHL.
Proving His Worth
Despite his junior success, concerns lingered among Montreal scouts and team officials regarding his ability to maintain a professional-level work ethic and compete consistently. Last season, those doubts were evident as he struggled to secure a spot on the Canadiens’ roster during training camp. He showed flashes of brilliance during his 12-game call-up but lacked the consistency needed to make a lasting impact.
However, hope is rekindling. In his recent time with the Laval Rocket, Roy notched 20 goals and 15 assists across 47 AHL games, showcasing clutch performances in the playoffs. His versatility as a two-way player has also garnered praise, positioning him as a potential standout if he can bring his newfound speed and competitive spirit to training camp.
The Road Ahead
As the competition heats up, including the addition of recently acquired Zach Bolduc, the pressure is mounting for Roy, who was among the final cuts last season. Yet, the Roy of today is a stark contrast to the one from last year. He is leaner, faster, and, most importantly, hungry for success. Chaimberg’s rigorous training regimen has pushed Roy to evolve, shifting his internal narrative from “high-IQ, low-effort” to “high-IQ, high-execution.” With this renewed focus and determination, Roy is ready to meet and exceed the expectations placed upon him.
