Picture this: the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room, a place where dreams hang in the air as thick as the scent of fresh ice, is suddenly quieter. The nameplate above Joshua Roy’s stall has been removed, replaced by the echo of what might have been. Just hours before the team boarded their flight to Utah, a decision was made that sent shockwaves through the organization and left fans scrambling for answers. Roy, once hailed as one of the most promising young forwards in the Habs’ system, is headed back to Laval—and the message behind his demotion is as unmistakable as it is unsettling.

It’s a moment that feels both inevitable and jarring. With Alexandre Texier’s arrival tightening the competition for roster spots, the Canadiens had to make a choice, and Roy became the odd man out. For some, it’s a simple numbers game: the team needed flexibility, and Roy, who had struggled to find his footing during his brief recall, was the easiest piece to move. But beneath the surface, the story is far more complicated—a tale of expectations, missed opportunities, and the harsh realities of life in the NHL.

Roy’s journey this season has been marked by flashes of brilliance and stretches of frustration. Recalled on November 16, he played only two games with the big club, failing to register a point and ultimately losing his spot in the lineup to Florian Xhekaj against the Maple Leafs. Observers have been brutally honest about the situation, with one summing up the sentiment: “Barring any injury, I think the Joshua Roy experiment in MTL is done. He came in very hot when he was called back up the first time and never was able to replicate it. I think he’ll fall under players too good for the AHL, but not good enough for the NHL.”

It’s a harsh assessment, but one that resonates with many who have watched Roy’s development closely. In Laval, he’s been a standout, tallying four goals and three assists in just ten games—a testament to his talent and drive. But in Montreal, the numbers are less forgiving: 11 points in 38 NHL games, a respectable figure but not enough to guarantee a permanent spot. The question now is whether Roy’s return to the Rocket marks the end of his NHL aspirations or the beginning of a new chapter, one where he can regroup, refocus, and prove he deserves another shot.

For the Canadiens, Roy’s demotion sends a clear and uncompromising message. With Texier and a wave of young talent pushing for ice time, nothing is guaranteed. Every player must earn his place, and sentimentality has no place in the pursuit of success. As Roy settles back into life with the Rocket, the spotlight shifts to what comes next—will he rise to the challenge, or will his story become another cautionary tale in the annals of Habs history?

As fans and analysts debate the implications, one thing is certain: the Joshua Roy experiment in Montreal has reached a crossroads, and the outcome is anything but predictable. The next chapter promises drama, uncertainty, and perhaps, redemption—but only for those willing to read between the lines and look beyond the surface.

Canadiens forward Joshua Roy

Photo credit: NHL

Joshua Roy’s stint with the Canadiens ended Monday as he was assigned to the Laval Rocket before the team flew to Utah to face the Mammoth.

It’s clear this wasn’t much of a surprise. With the arrival of Alexandre Texier, roster spots up front became much tighter and the Habs had to make a decision. In my opinion, Roy had become the easiest option to move.

Recalled on November 16, Roy played only two games with the big club.
He didn’t register a point and was even left out of the lineup on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs in favor of Florian Xhekaj.

One observer summed up the situation with a lot of honesty:

“Barring any injury, I think the Joshua Roy experiment in MTL is done.

He came in very hot when he was called back up the first time and never was able to replicate it.

I think he’ll fall under players too good for the AHL, but not good enough for the NHL.”

– Alex

Why Joshua Roy’s return to Laval sends a clear message to the Canadiens

In reality, Roy never truly got many chances, but he didn’t seize the ones he did get either.

He spent almost the entire season with the Rocket, where he performed well with four goals and three assists in 10 games. In the NHL, he has 11 points in 38 games, which isn’t huge, but it’s not terrible either.

At least, I believe his return to Laval can really help him. He’ll play more, regain his rhythm, and be able to prove he deserves another real opportunity with the Canadiens.

For the Habs, this sends a clear message. With Texier’s arrival and several young players pushing, you have to earn your spot. Nothing is automatic now.