Insights from Joshua Roy at Golf Tournament
At a recent golf tournament hosted by Jonathan Huberdeau, Joshua Roy, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens and their AHL affiliate, Laval Rocket, shared insights with RDS reporter Eric Leblanc. The young talent, who is now 21, recognizes the importance of the upcoming training camp and the 2024 NHL season following a disappointing performance last year.
Challenges Ahead for Roy
During the previous camp, Roy struggled to make an impression and found himself reassigned to the AHL, a reality he did not fully anticipate. This season poses even more challenges for Roy, especially given the Canadiens’ recent acquisitions, including Ivan Demidov, Zack Bolduc from a trade, and Samuel Blais. Additionally, there are other hopefuls—Oliver Kapanen, Owen Beck, Florian Xhekaj, Lucas Condotta, and Jared Davidson—who are also vying for spots on the Canadiens roster.
Roy’s Strategy for Improvement
With the increased competition, Roy acknowledges that he has no chance of outperforming Demidov for the second-line position, particularly after managing minimal production in his 12 games with Montreal last season. To improve his prospects, Roy plans to focus on his fitness this summer, as he believes his inconsistent physicality has hindered his performance level—something that coaches tend to disapprove of.
Self-Awareness and Future Prospects
While Roy claims that he’s insightful enough to identify the flaws in his gameplay without external prompts, the question remains: can he translate this self-awareness into tangible improvements on the ice?
The forward also discussed the recent trade involving his friend Logan Mailloux and Zack Bolduc, reflecting on the heavy competition among defensemen in the Canadiens’ organization, especially with Noah Dobson joining the team. He expressed support for Mailloux and acknowledged the transition he will face in St. Louis.
Conclusion
As the Canadiens prepare for the upcoming season, Roy’s journey could very much hinge on his ability to elevate his game and solidify his position within the team.
