"Not a fan of this move": Joshua Roy's call-up from Laval Rocket leaves Habs fans divided

Montreal Canadiens fans experienced a mix of excitement and apprehension as the team announced the call-up of 20-year-old forward Joshua Roy from the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League (AHL). The young winger, who played two preseason games with the Canadiens during training camp, is set to join the team for Saturday's morning skate at the Bell Centre.

Roy, yet to make his NHL debut, has been making waves in the AHL this season. With an impressive 12 goals and 18 assists through 34 games with Laval, his performances have not gone unnoticed. The decision to bring him up to the big league has sparked debates among Habs fans, dividing opinions on whether now is the right time for Roy to step into the NHL spotlight.

While some fans are eager to see the promising forward showcase his skills against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET in Montreal, others expressed concerns about the pressure associated with such a significant promotion. Roy's call-up adds an element of uncertainty to the Canadiens' lineup, leaving fans curious about how he will adapt to the faster pace and heightened competition of the NHL:

All eyes will be on Joshua Roy as he steps onto the ice at the Bell Centre, with Habs fans awaiting the moment he either solidifies his place in the lineup or faces the challenges that come in the NHL.

Joshua Roy's hockey journey from QMJHL triumphs to AHL brilliance and international gold

A top player in the­ Quebec Midget Triple­-A league, Roy became­ the Saint John Sea Dogs' No. 1 pick in the 2019 QMJHL draft. Early on, people like­ned him to Jonathan Huberdeau. Ye­t, views on his play differed. In his first 2019–20 se­ason, he chalked up 16 goals and 28 assists over 60 game­s. Then, the pandemic hit.

Roy faced challenges in the 2020–21 season with the Sea Dogs, prompting a trade to the Sherbrooke Phoenix. The Montreal Canadiens drafted him in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL entry draft, anticipating him as a "late bloomer." Roy's breakout came in the 2021–22 QMJHL season, scoring 119 points in 66 games and earning accolades like the Jean Béliveau Trophy.

Claiming gold for Team Canada at the­ 2022 and 2023 World Junior Championships gave him global recognition. Joshua Roy's caree­r advanced with the AHL's Laval Rocket – clinching the­ AHL Rookie of the Month title in Octobe­r 2023 after recording five goals and seven assists in seven games.