Heading into training camp, 21-year-old Joshua Roy was expected to have a spot on the Montreal Canadiens roster. However, Roy didn’t have a strong showing at camp and struggled in his preseason appearances. As a result, Roy was sent down to the Canadiens AHL affiliate the Laval Rocket. Instead of making Montreal, he was beaten out by rookies Oliver Kapanen and Emil Heineman. The duo have managed three points combined in largely bottom-six roles. On the other hand, Roy is someone who put up nine points in 23 games with the Canadiens at the end of last season. His offensive prowess could be much needed on the Canadiens current roster.
Joshua Roy Returning to Montreal
Two Laval Rocket players have already been called up instead of Roy, Lucas Condotta, and Logan Mailloux. Although, Condotta was called up more as an insurance policy in case of injuries, while Mailloux has since been returned to Laval. The Canadiens are in need of some help up front especially with the injury to Patrik Laine. Is it time for the team to recall Joshua Roy or is he better off in Laval for the time being?
Joshua Roy in Laval
Since joining the Laval Rocket, Roy has regained his confidence offensively, as he has put up four goals and six points in six games. He has been playing on the team’s top line with Alex Barre-Boulet, who originally beat out Roy for a roster spot on the Canadiens. Last season, Roy had similar levels of success in Laval, posting 32 points in 41 games with the club.
Roy’s success at the AHL level hasn’t left anything to be desired. At only 21 years of age, it’s clear that he has little to prove at the minor league level and may be ready for a bigger role on the Canadiens.
Where Does Roy Fit in the Canadiens Lineup?
If Roy is to rejoin the Canadiens, he will be immediately thrust into a top-nine role. The injury to Patrik Laine has put the team’s lines through a blender to begin the season. The team’s top-six regulars has included Kirby Dach, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky. Meanwhile, Alex Newhook, Oliver Kapanen, and Joel Armia have also spent time in top-six roles. While the former four are locks to remain at the top of the lineup, Armia and Newhook have struggled to begin the year with only six points combined.
This is where Roy can insert himself into the lineup. The Canadiens bottom-six lacks skilled players who can thrive in a top-six role. While the likes of Anderson and Gallagher could suffice, it’s not ideal, as they don’t have the hockey sense of their linemates. Roy on the other hand, has exceptional hockey sense and that combined with his prowess on the forecheck could have him compliment his linemates well. Below we provide an example of what the Canadiens lines could look like if Roy is added to the mix.
Caufield-Suzuki-Roy
Slafkovsky-Dach-Newhook
Anderson-Evans-Gallagher
Heineman/Kapanen-Dvorak-Armia
Pezzetta
Who Comes Out of the Lineup?
If Roy is to be called up to the lineup, someone has to come out. Veterans like Dvorak and Armia are unlikely to lose their roles. This leaves only two realistic options, Oliver Kapanen and Emil Heineman. The two are beginning to find their footing in the league but haven’t thrived since joining the team. It doesn’t make sense to keep them with the team as extra forwards, however. If Heineman is sent down, he would rejoin the Laval Rocket, while Oliver Kapanen would need to return to Kalpa in the SM-Liiga.
Some seasoning in the minors may be best for Kapanen, who is a very raw player as of now. Heineman is more of a finished product at the NHL level than Kapanen and has less to develop in his game. If Roy is to return to Montreal, Kapanen may be the likely candidate to go. Either way, Rafael Harvey-Pinard and Patrik Laine’s eventual comebacks will push some players out of the lineup eventually.
Joshua Roy is developing well at the minor level and the Canadiens may not want to disrupt that progression. Especially so, when you consider Laine and Harvey-Pinard will return. But if they are looking for an offensive boost within the organization, Roy is the best option they have.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – USA TODAY Sports
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