Montreal Canadiens forward Joshua Roy has once again faced a setback in his pursuit of a permanent NHL role. After being cut from training camp and assigned to the Laval Rocket, Roy’s name has reportedly surfaced in trade discussions this summer. While Canadiens management still believes in his talent, the depth at forward and competition from other young players could make a trade a realistic option for both sides.
Montreal Canadiens prospect Joshua Roy sparks trade speculation
Joshua Roy’s future with the Montreal Canadiens has become a topic of discussion following another demotion to the AHL’s Laval Rocket. For the second year in a row, the young forward from Beauce failed to secure a spot on the Canadiens’ opening night roster. Despite his offensive skills, Roy appears to have been passed over by other young forwards, including Owen Beck, Florian Xhekaj, and Oliver Kapanen, who remain with the big club.Reports indicate that Roy’s name came up in trade conversations this summer, as revealed by insider Marco D’Amico on The Shaun Starr Show, citing information from DansLesCoulisses. Some NHL general managers reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the talented forward. While Roy remains under contract with the Canadiens, his situation highlights the challenges of breaking into a deep forward lineup.
Which Montreal Canadiens COULD BE Trade Bait?
Roy’s potential trade and discussions with Canadiens management
Joshua Roy and his representatives are scheduled to meet with Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes and assistant GM Jeff Gorton in the near future. The discussions could involve potential trade options, or Roy may even explore requesting a trade himself if he feels a clearer NHL opportunity exists elsewhere.Despite his setbacks, Roy has shown flashes of offensive talent at the NHL level. During the 2023-2024 season, he recorded nine points in 23 games with the Canadiens, demonstrating scoring ability and playmaking skills. However, he has yet to consistently translate that potential into a permanent NHL role, partly due to the depth of the Canadiens’ forward group.Roy’s situation serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of NHL rosters, where even highly skilled young players can struggle to earn consistent playing time. Teams seeking to bolster their depth or add offensive upside may find Roy an intriguing trade target.Joshua Roy remains a talented but underutilized prospect within the Montreal Canadiens organization. With trade interest reportedly emerging and discussions with management on the horizon, the next few weeks could determine whether Roy finds a new opportunity in the NHL or continues to develop in the AHL. His offensive potential ensures he will remain a player to watch in trade and roster discussions.Also Read: Craig Berube backs Easton Cowan to make immediate impact with Toronto Maple Leafs