A former Habs prospect, Joshua Roy, struggled to find his footing in the NHL. But can he change things in Utah and become what the Montreal Canadians hoped he could be? Joshua Roy, 23, reached the NHL at the age of just 21. Selected in the 2021 NHL entry draft, many thought that Roy could become a great player in Montreal. Unfortunately, though, Roy never found his footing in the NHL and was then traded to the Utah Mammoth.
Can Roy break out in Utah?
For Roy, a break out in the NHL isn't even what the Mammoth want to see. The Mammoth would like to see the 23-year-old become a permanent member of the NHL team. Roy has had some nice success in the AHL, but at this point, Utah needs a player who can perform in the NHL. The Mammoth traded a player who himself has struggled to reach the NHL for Roy.
Maksymilian Szuber played one game with the Arizona Coyotes in the 2023-24 season. Since Szuber has remained below the NHL level. Both Utah and Montreal essentially decided to swap players that are quite similiar: 23-year-olds that have struggled to find playing time in the NHL. It is notable, though, that Roy has 38 total NHL games under his belt and Szuber has just that one.
Roy showed promise in the 2023-24 season with 4 goals and 5 assists in 23 games, but he has only 2 goals in 15 games and 0 assists. Roy played in only three games last season, scoring no points. Utah knows that the likelihood of Roy suddenly becoming a franchise cornerstone or becoming a good player is quite low- but Roy could add both depth and value.
The number of wingers that are capable of putting up good offensive numbers is pretty insane for Utah, so Roy may struggle to find playing time. Roy has to work hard to stay in the NHL, simply put. Tij Iginla, a 19-year-old mega prospect, has the potential to reach the NHL easily next season, putting Roy at risk of being an AHL player again.
It is simple with Roy and Utah. Utah would like to add a winger who can provide depth and potentially great value. Roy will need to prove himself in the NHL, but he is still 23 and has the time and capability to.
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