One player poised to prove himself as an option for being relied upon to put the puck in the net is Joshua Roy. He has had a bit of a slow start to the preseason with two assists through four games. However, for Roy, like many offensive players, rhythm can be such an important intangible to production. Finding rhythm in the preseason is definitely not a guarantee. In fact, coaches may even try to challenge players in situations where they are less accustomed to and comfortable with during the preseason taking advantage of the chance to do so in games that are less meaningful than when the regular season begins. They would do such a thing, just to see how the play can adapt and deal with adversity. Also, to cycle through multiple line combinations or permutations to further see if there’s a match.
Analyzing the Habs Joshua Roy Chances at Success on the Second Line
We have already discussed players looking to make the jump to the NHL. Those players include the likes of Emil Heineman or Oliver Kapanen. In contrast, for Roy it’s more about finding his footing in a top-six-type role. This idea has only become possible due to the unfortunate injury to newcomer, and offensive dynamo, Patrik Laine. Laine has been susceptible to inconsistencies throughout his career, but has still maintained an average of 35 goals if spanned out over a full 82 games. So, for the Canadiens lineup as a whole, it becomes a case of who can step up.
For Joshua Roy, who’s as strong of a candidate as anyone to step up for the Habs, has been shuffled around a bit this preseason. Conversely, he has had some opportunity on the power play. He’s shown a knack for finding his way into those crucial, dangerous areas. Now he needs to work on capitalizing on those opportunities that his smarts, skills, and overall hockey awareness will give him.
Looking at Advantages versus Disadvantages
Roy’s contract situation does and doesn’t work against him. The reason it would work in favour of him being in the NHL is his amount of pay. He doesn’t earn a lot, therefore, he can play a bit loosey goosey in a sense. In other words, he can just go out there and play. It is still more about development at this stage of his career after all. Conversely, the one point on his contract that might make it difficult for him to find time in the NHL, is the fact that he is on a two-way contract. Now, along with Laine’s injury, there should be enough room to have him comfortably sticking around on the NHL roster. However, you don’t want to do it if it means sacrificing ice time for the 21-year-old.
It is tough to know for certain what type of player Joshua Roy will ultimately develop into being for the Habs. Will he be the type of NHLer capable of driving play himself? No doubt the talent is there, but that extra attribute takes a certain work ethic not everyone is blessed with having. His talent should allow him to make the players around him better. At the very least, if given the chance to play with skilled players, he will be able to keep up.
Reviewing Some of Joshua Roy’s Key Stats
If we study his offensive statistics, he is definitely a force to be reckoned with. His last two seasons in the QMJHL saw him total 218 points through 121 regular season contests. Perhaps more impressively were his numbers from the playoffs. Over those same two seasons, in 25 games, he ended up registering 47 points. In addition, he scored everywhere else as well. When playing for the Canadian world junior squad, he had 19 points over two tournaments. Also when he was in the AHL last season, he ended up with 32 points and 41 games.
At the NHL level, he managed four goals and five assists for nine points in the first 23 games of his NHL career in 23-24. He played mostly with Joel Armia and Alex Newhook during that time. Both of those players had very strong seasons from a personal standpoint. Despite only playing in 55 games, Newhook had a career-high 15 goals. For Armia, who had a brief stint in the AHL, ended up with a career-high as well, with 17 tucks.
So Which Line Does He Fit Best On and With Who
With Laine’s injury, it is a bit unclear where Roy will end up playing. However, it is a good bet he will see some time on the second power play unit. And with the hole in the lineup left by Laine, it is also a good bet Roy will see plenty of time with decent offensive players on the club’s middle six. Whereas opposed to Joshua Roy playing on the fourth line for the Habs, or even the AHL’s Laval Rocket. So, Roy could very well pick up where he left off, playing with Newhook and Armia on what would be more of a third line.
Moreover, he’s also going to get a look on the second line until Laine returns. The Canadiens do have good options for these roles. Kirby Dach, Josh Anderson, Brendan Gallagher, and even Jake Evans are each competent options for the second line in their own rights. It would really depend on head coach Martin St. Louis being able to find chemistry among the forward line combinations. Based on last year’s chemistry with Newhook and Armia, and considering a need for even more point production, look for Roy to see action on the second line in 2024-25. This would ultimately most likely see Newhook joining him, along with Dach. Dach’s offensive abilities will be a sufficient upgrade over Armia in order to call it a second line. In any case, as most often when injuries occur, it ends up leading to an opportunity for someone. One player with the potential to really capitalize on this type of chance is the Canadiens Joshua Roy.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – USA TODAY Sports
