New Maple Leafs centre, Cup-winner Nicolas Roy likes to play in 'big moments'
Article content
Having won the Stanley Cup, Nicolas Roy gladly speaks from experience.
The 28-year-old centre knows what is required to win.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
New Maple Leafs centre, Cup-winner Nicolas Roy likes to play in 'big moments' Back to video
Acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the trade for Mitch Marner, Roy had his introduction to the Leafs media during a Zoom call on Tuesday afternoon.
“There are a lot of things that come to mind, but I think everybody has to accept their role, whatever it is,” Roy said, recalling the 2023 championship run with the Golden Knights. “You have the skill players. You have the guys who are going to play 8-10 minutes and be willing to play those physical minutes.
“Wherever you are in the lineup, or even if you’re not in the lineup, be ready to jump in when you’re asked. I would say it’s probably the biggest thing, be there for your teammates and be ready to play any role you’re asked to play.”
The Leafs will accept that kind of attitude, no questions asked. Roy, who stands 6-foot-4 and 201 pounds, averaged just more than 15 minutes in 22 playoff games two years ago, contributing three goals and eight assists as Vegas won its first Cup.
With the Leafs, you can put him in the third-line centre spot on your depth charts. A right-handed shot, he had 15 goals and 31 points in 71 games last season.
“There’s always going to be ups and down and the pressure of the moment, it’s really what I enjoy,” Roy said. “I really like to play in those big moments. I think that’s what we play for as hockey players. I’m bringing the Stanley Cup experience with me, but I have a lot of experience in the playoffs as well.”
In 79 career Cup playoff games, the 28-year-old Roy has 10 goals and 22 assists.
Roy was on a trip with friends when he was informed he was going to Toronto via trade. He’s getting married in two weeks, he said.
“It was a good feeling, obviously shocked a little bit at first,” Roy said. “I feel really good about it, got time to reflect and look at everything, and I’m really excited to join the Leafs.”
As for being involved in a one-for-one trade for the talented Marner, certainly with unique circumstances, Roy said: “Brings a little bit of pressure, what he’s done, what he’s meant to the team. But at the same time, there’s only one thing I can control, and it’s getting ready for the season, getting ready this summer, working out and skating. That’s what I’m focusing on.”
Born in Amos, Que., before going on to play for Chicoutimi of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for four seasons, Roy said he was a Leafs fan in childhood — to a point.
“It’s kind of funny, because growing up, my favorite player was Mats Sundin, so I was cheering for the Leafs until I was 11 or 12,” Roy said. “He signed in Vancouver, so I switched to Montreal.”
Interestingly, the Leafs were on the clock at the 2015 NHL draft and Roy was available when Toronto was picking in the fourth round at No. 95. The Leafs selected Swedish defenceman Jesper Lindgren, who never played in an NHL game. At No. 96, Roy was taken by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Roy likes the idea of having Leafs stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander as teammates.
“Two dynamic players, really fun to watch, both of them, and really excited to see what they do on a daily basis, what’s their routine, and learning from them,” Roy said. “I want to be part of a team that’s winning and watching the playoffs last year, the Panthers, their biggest challenge was the Leafs. I think this group’s ready to win and that’s why I want to be part of a team like that.”
X: @koshtorontosun
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.