JOSHUA ROY

2024-11-26

Scout: Joshua Rosa

Skating:

Roy’s skating is possibly his biggest question mark. His top speed is not too high, which could limit his offensive output, especially on the fast break. Its something that has improved since his draft year, but it is still not a strength. He is strong on his feet and can muscle his way through a lot of problems, but the pace of the NHL could prove an issue.

Passing/Handling:

Roy has good offensive instincts and can generally find teammates with a slick pass. He can use his strength and skill to brute force his way around the offensive zone, and draw many defenders to him, freeing up space for teammates. He can use to add some more deception to his offensive game. You can generally tell what he’s going to do

Shooting:

Roy’s wrister is borderline elite and it is by far his strongest asset. It is an accurate laser that he can get off quickly and beat goalies clean with. He can use his shot to keep defenders and goalies honest, while finding a teammate.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Roy’s vision has improved since being drafted as a shoot-first forward, and he has grown dimensions into his game. He can use multiple different facets of his game, whether its his strength or his stick handling to give himself time and space to make a decision with the puck. He can be relied upon to find the best spots on the ice.

Forechecking:

For his shortcomings at skating, Roy is good at putting pressure on opponents, either by leaning on them hard along the boards, or with a quick and active stick where he is able to pick pockets well. His skating does limit his forechecking effectiveness, he is generally in good positions to make the most of his pressure.

Defense:

One of the areas of biggest growth from Roy since his draft year is his defensive ability. He has begun to to put a lot of effort in the defensive zone and has become an effective penalty killer. He can use his strength, especially in board battles to push the puck off of opponents and get the puck to safety.

Best Asset:

Roy has a wicked shot, and great offensive instincts to put himself in the right spots to get that shot off.

Biggest Concern:

Roy’s skating speed, while improved, is still below the average. He could struggle to keep up with the speedy NHL.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 2

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

While Roy has an incredible shot and good offensive instincts, I feel that his skating skill will limit his ceiling to below a point-per-game.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Roy’s skating could be a bigger liability than previously thought and could seriously hinder his game. He could still be an effective bottom 6 shooter with penalty kill and powerplay time.

Stylistic Comparable:

Canadiens fans will recognize and be excited by comparing Roy with another player that can't skate the best but has a great shot and offensive instincts: Tyler Toffoli

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Roy has shown leaps and bounds of improvement since being drafted in the 5th round in 2021, which is a good sign for his continued growth and probability of playing and staying in the NHL

Games Scouted:

6-3 vs. Providence Bruins, 5-2 vs. Syracuse Crunch, 2-3 vs. Belleville Senators