Joshua Roy’s Challenge with the Canadiens
An NHL scout has expressed skepticism about Joshua Roy’s potential as a forward for the Montreal Canadiens. The young player was vying for a spot on the roster this season but ultimately found himself placed on waivers after failing to make the cut. With no team claiming him, Roy is set to start the year in the AHL, a disappointing turn of events for the promising talent.
Concerns from NHL Scouts
Roy’s difficulties were compounded when an NHL scout from a rival team weighed in on his prospects. Canadiens insider Arpon Basu reported that the scout was unequivocal in his assessment, stating he would not recommend Roy to his team. “One pro scout who spoke with The Athletic last week about Roy, when asked if he would ever recommend to his team that they trade for him, immediately said no,” Basu noted. The scout highlighted concerns about Roy’s style of play, describing it as too focused on the perimeter. While acknowledging Roy’s skill set, he struggled to envision how those talents would adapt to the demands of the NHL.
Drafting and Development
Selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Roy has seen limited action at the NHL level, playing in 35 career games. Yet, Basu remains doubtful about his ability to make a meaningful impact. “Last year, he arrived in training camp with a job to lose, and he lost it thanks to an underwhelming camp,” Basu explained. “This year, he might not have arrived in camp with a job to lose, but he definitely had a job to win, and he did not do that.” The Canadiens’ quick decision not to extend his evaluation period further suggests their lack of confidence in his readiness for regular NHL action.
Challenges Ahead for Roy
The scout’s concerns center on several aspects of Roy’s game. Issues with his skating pace, the effective utilization of his hockey sense, and a reluctance to engage in the more physical aspects of play have all been flagged as areas needing improvement. As Roy enters the final year of his three-year, $2.505 million contract with the Canadiens, the urgency to refine his game has never been greater.
Team Depth and Future Prospects
The Canadiens’ roster boasts considerable depth, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by head coach Martin St. Louis. Excited about the options available to him, St. Louis praised general manager Kent Hughes for bolstering the team’s lineup. “I feel I’m equipped with more options than I ever have in the past. Which is a good problem to have,” he remarked.
As the Canadiens prepare for their season opener at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 8, St. Louis emphasizes that competition among players will continue throughout the season. “The camp is going to be over and it’s going to feel like it’s a finish line, and it’s not,” he said. “That finish line always moves. Can you keep sprinting, not knowing how long the distance is?” With the regular season approaching, Roy faces an uphill battle to prove he belongs among the NHL ranks.
