Something unexpected unfolded late in the evening in Montreal, and it’s now sending ripples through Canadiens Nation. After hours of speculation and silence, the team finally made an official announcement — one that changes the immediate look of the roster and may hint at something much bigger behind the scenes.

For fans who’ve been following closely, the spotlight has been shining brightly on Joshua Roy, one of Montreal’s most promising young forwards. The 22-year-old Quebec native has quickly earned a reputation for his sharp offensive instincts, maturity on the puck, and relentless work ethic — a player who represents the future of the franchise. Yet, in a move that caught many by surprise, the Canadiens have reassigned Roy to the Laval Rocket.

On paper, it’s a simple transaction. But in the world of hockey — especially in Montreal — there’s rarely such a thing as “just paperwork.” The decision has fans and analysts buzzing with theories: Is this a sign that someone big is returning to the lineup? Is this part of a larger roster shake-up orchestrated by Kent Hughes? Or could this be a strategic reset to give Roy the regular playing time he deserves after spending games watching from the press box?

And that’s not all — the move wasn’t limited to Roy. Alongside him, defenseman Marc Del Gaizo has also been sent down to Laval. For those paying attention, this detail is crucial. Del Gaizo has been the team’s extra defenseman in recent games, filling a depth role while Kaiden Guhle continues to recover from injury. The timing of his reassignment, combined with Roy’s, raises one very intriguing question: could Guhle be ready to return sooner than anyone expected?

Insiders like Anthony Marcotte of BPM Sports have pointed out that both Montreal and Laval are at home over the next few days, making this move logistically simple — but strategically, it might be something more. Marcotte put it best: “No reason to keep two players on the bench not playing.” Still, for Canadiens fans, that’s not just a statement — it’s a clue.

If Roy and Del Gaizo were simply reassigned for ice time, fine. But if this move clears space for Guhle’s early comeback — or perhaps another roster surprise — then tonight’s quiet announcement might end up being the first domino in a much larger story.

Roy, who has already made a strong impression in his young NHL career with 11 points in 36 games, won’t be in the spotlight for now. But rest assured — this isn’t a demotion. It’s more like a chapter break in what could become one of the most intriguing comeback stories of the Canadiens’ season.

Because in Montreal, every roster move tells a story. And this one feels like the beginning of something we’re all going to be talking about for days to come.

Mar 22, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

We had been waiting for this announcement for a few hours, and it has finally been confirmed late in the evening.

Joshua Roy has officially been reassigned to the Laval Rocket, allowing him to get back to playing games on a more regular basis.

Kent Hughes has announced a personnel move involving two players – Joshua Roy and Marc Del Gaizo.

See the official announcement from the Canadiens right here:

“The Canadiens have loaned forward Joshua Roy and defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to the Laval Rocket.”

– Montreal Canadiens

Roy and Del Gaizo are therefore back in Laval… Could this mean that Kaiden Guhle might return from injury to play earlier than expected, knowing that Marc Del Gaizo was the only “extra” defenseman in Montreal?

That’s what we’re hoping for – but let’s wait and see.

At the same time, as the excellent Anthony Marcotte (from BPM Sports) mentioned, Kent Hughes had no reason to keep them in Montreal just sitting in the press box.

“With the CH and the Rocket at home over the next few days, no reason to keep the two players on the bench not playing.”

– Anthony Marcotte

Marc Del Gaizo, 26 years old, is a left-handed defenseman standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 193 pounds. He was a fourth-round pick of the Nashville Predators in 2019.
He has played 55 career NHL games, all with Nashville.

Joshua Roy, 22 years old, is a 6-foot, 187-pound forward who was a fifth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.

He has played 36 career NHL games, all with Montreal, and has recorded 11 points in the league.

More details to follow,