Photo credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
According to Leafs Morning Take co-host Nick Alberga, the addition of Nicolas Roy could be the best move of the offseason as he offers exactly what Toronto needs.The Mitch Marner trade brought back with it Nicolas Roy, a reserved player who certainly isn’t as flashy as Marner, but brings with him the perfect skillset for Craig Berube to utilize.
What This New Addition Brings to the Maple Leafs
An underrated playmaker, solid defensively, and willing to get dirty when it matters, he is expected to be the team’s dedicated 3C who has the ability to slide up and down the lineup if the situation calls for it, plus he’s only 28 and should be in the mix for the foreseeable future.
It’s an acquisition that should bring fans some excitement, and according to Leafs Morning Take’s Nick Alberga; he can’t wait for Roy to get started.
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m excited to see Nicolas Roy in the blue and white
Exceptional addition
It also seems that other Maple Leafs fans are excited about the prospect of Roy in blue and white this season as well:
If you’re expecting him to replicate Marner, you’re trying to make a mountain out of an anthill, as both players are wildly different, and Roy fills a hole Toronto has been desperate to fill for years.
Why It Could Change Toronto’s Playoff Outlook
A game changer for Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup run, Roy had 11 points in 22 games, won nearly 50% of his face-offs, and 48 hits; his goal in Game 5 was a big part of the 9-3 drubbing that led the Golden Knights to their first title.
Adding someone who has experience winning recently, with proven playoff production and credentials, while also filling a need Toronto’s had for years is something of a coup for Brad Treliving.
Being able to bring Roy up to the 2C line when needed to play with John Tavares would be a great combo of defense, playmaking, and leadership. Roy is good enough defensively to take over the duties in the middle, and Tavares on the wing can be deadly.
So adding Roy might have been the best move of them all because he kills two birds with one stone, when Toronto has been listlessly throwing pebbles inside their glass house.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
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Maple Leafs’ Underrated Offseason Addition Could Be the Last Piece of the Puzzle
Do you think Nicolas Roy was a good pickup for the Maple Leafs?