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What Are the Canadiens Really Doing With Joshua Roy?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 10:58 AM ET

Joshua Roy‘s the classic Canadiens prospect debate right now. Fifth-round pick in 2021, Saint-Georges-de-Beauce native, 22, 6-foot, 192 pounds, left-handed shot. Solid tools, but his future’s got everyone scratching their heads.

He’s got real offensive pop—soft hands, good touch around the net, and that instinct to make a play when the moment opens up. Canadiens’ fans have seen flashes in the NHL. In 38 NHL games, he has recorded 6 goals and 5 assists, showing potential but not standout numbers.

When He’s in Laval, Roy Looks Like a Guy on the Rise

This season (2025–26), Roy has been bouncing between Montreal and the American Hockey League (AHL) Laval Rocket. Only three NHL games so far—no points, a couple shots, a few penalty minutes. Mostly depth minutes or a healthy scratch.

But when he’s down in Laval, it’s a whole different story. In 37 games, he’s put up 13 goals and 15 assists (for 28 points). That’s solid top-six production. Nothing wild, but steady enough to make you think, “Okay, he’s ready for another look.”

The issue is the traffic jam ahead of him. Montreal’s forward group is getting crowded. Some young guys are already grabbing their roles, veterans aren’t moving, and Roy’s consistency in the NHL hasn’t quite landed yet. He’ll look sharp for stretches, then lose pace or have a defensive hiccup, and suddenly he’s back in the press box.

Could Montreal Trade Him?

His contract isn’t the problem. He’s signed at a $835k cap hit, and becomes an RFA next summer. So he’s easy to move. And with the deadline creeping up in March, you can make a case that he’s the kind of prospect who could headline a package for a veteran winger or some playoff help.

He’s still young; he’s put up 99 points in one season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL); he’s been part of a World Juniors gold medal team; and coaches like his hockey sense. A change of scenery can benefit a player like him.

But trading him comes with the obvious risk: he breaks out somewhere else, and everyone in Montreal groans about another one that got away.

Do the Canadiens Just Stay Patient and Let Him Develop?

There’s also the argument for doing nothing dramatic. Let him keep building in Laval. Let him keep earning call-ups. Let his game marinate. Fans aren’t wrong to say the Habs have misjudged prospects before by moving them too early.

And honestly, this might just be one of those development crossroads. Too good for full-time AHL. Not quite ready to lock down an NHL role. Still plenty of upside.

So What’s the Answer for the Canadiens?

There isn’t an easy one. Trade him, and you might regret it. Keep him, and you might block someone else. But Roy has the tools—it’s just a matter of whether Montreal wants to invest the time or use him as a chip.

Either way, he’s at that tipping point where something has to give. The Canadiens must decide soon on his future.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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