Vegas Golden Knights centre, Nicolas Roy, was listed as one of the five most underappreciated forwards in the NHL by Jacob Stoller of The Hockey News.
Who Are The NHL’s Most Underappreciated Players?
With the help of an NHL asst coach, a scout, some players, data & eye test observations — I’ll be examining that very question in a 3 part series for @TheHockeyNews
Part 1: Forwards 📺📝⤵️https://t.co/xQH9yUpftJ
— Jacob Stoller (@JLStoller) August 17, 2024
Roy, now 27-years-old is entering his sixth year with the Golden Knights. His time in Vegas has been successful as he carved out an NHL role and is a Stanley Cup champion. He’s played 291 games with the Golden Knights scoring 53 goals and 135 points.
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With the talent the Golden Knights possess, Roy has become a third-line centre playing a defensive role. He’s excelled in that role and has become a critical part of the team’s success. He’s jumped up in the lineup at times to fill in for injured teammates and has never looked out of place.
Stoller had a lot of praise for the Amos, Quebec native saying:
“Nicolas Roy flies under the radar on a star-studded Vegas Golden Knights squad, although his impact is undeniable. Roy is one of the NHL’s most effective third-line centers. He’s a relentless forechecker who’s capable of handling tough defensive matchups. Above all, he’s opportunistic on both sides of the puck. ‘He’s just a smart player. He can kill plays, and his play off the puck is really good,’ the scout said. ‘He’s also got some understated skill, and he’s got that ability to hang onto the puck. He doesn’t necessarily make plays that you’ll see on SportsCenter, but he can make the right plays at the right times.’ Roy can also move up and down the lineup. When Jack Eichel went down in the second half of last year, Roy filled in admirably in the top six, recording 19 points in 19 games.
Roy is entering the third year of his five-year contract which pays him $3M annually. He’s crucial to the team now and will be for years to come.
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