Roy is having a strong start in the AHL with seven points in nine games for the Laval Rocket. Unfortunately, he did not secure a spot on the NHL roster during the preseason, and during his brief call-up in October, he played only eight minutes of ice time. This signals the coaching staff in Montreal is unlikely to give Roy many opportunities to prove himself offensively while his defense remains a liability. He is likely a point-per-game player in the AHL this season and could become trade bait during the season.

After posting 16 points in 17 games for Laval, Roy was called up for a short, but uneventful four-game NHL stint. He played alongside Kirby Dach and Josh Anderson. Up again in March, he saw eight games, this time with Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook. He managed just two points, though he had 11 shots and saw negligible PP time. Between the two NHL stints, he showed a lack of aggression without the puck and was a liability both in terms of defense and his possession metrics. He turns only 22 in August, so there is still time to assert himself, but his stock has fallen over the last 18 months. –

After a disappointing training camp, Joshua Roy was assigned to the Laval Rocket to start the 2024-25 season. Prospects Oliver Kapanen and Emil Heineman performed significantly better in the preseason, and both earned their NHL spots over the 2021 fifth round pick. Currently involved in minor controversy off the ice as well, it seems Joshua Roy may spend a large chunk of the season in Laval, despite the Canadiens’ issues at forward right now. If there is a real meritocracy, he will not be the first call-up option.

Joshua Roy established himself as an NHLer in his time with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2023-24 season. An injury unfortunately forced him out of the lineup, but he was able to come back at the end of the year to help the Laval Rocket to fight for a playoff spot. All things being equal, Roy will start the 2024-25 season in the Montreal Canadiens’ middle six, and possible on their second line depending on the off-season moves of the organization.

Joshua Roy’s stellar AHL play earned him a short call-up, where he accomplished many milestones. In a six-game stint, he scored his first NHL goal, and added an assist. Laval is definitely where he belongs right now, as his pace of play adapts to professional hockey. If he keeps up his pace, he’ll end the season with 57 points in 68 NHL games; not bad for a fifth-round pick only two years ago!