Copyright Yardbarker
The Montreal Canadiens have begun the 2025-26 NHL campaign with a solid record of 5-2-0. On Tuesday, the franchise announced a few roster moves, including the returns of winger Joshua Roy and defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to the main roster after they started the season in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. "The Canadiens practiced at the CN Sports Complex on Tuesday before embarking on the second-longest road trip of their season," the team said in a statement. "Prior to the session, the team announced a few roster moves. Joshua Roy and Marc Del Gaizo were recalled from Laval, while Owen Beck was loaned to the Rocket." It was inevitable that the Canadiens would recall Roy, 22, after his great start to the year with the Rocket. The young forward demonstrated to coach Martin St. Louis that he was wrong to send him to the AHL. In four games with the Rocket this season, Roy registered three goals and one assist for four points. Why recalling Joshua Roy is the right call for Canadiens Roy has confidence and a scoring touch. Rewarding his great performance elevates the internal meritocracy and immediately adds an offensive threat in the bottom six. Roy could be a complement for lines with strong puck-carriers like center Kirby Dach or assume minutes on the third or fourth line with greater responsibility without the puck and pressure on the forecheck. St. Louis could take advantage of his high offensive IQ in quick transitions and opportunities in the slot. Furthermore, the franchise has the freedom to test him without compromising other assets or cap, since Roy is waiver-exempt. It can send him back to the AHL without risk. St. Louis is sending a very clear message to his squad by sending Beck, 21, to the Rocket and pressuring center Joe Veleno after his recent mistakes at the same time that he recalls Roy. St. Louis fosters accountability and rewards good performance. What the players do on the ice matters. Dach is about to return, but experimenting is worth it. If Roy falls short, making a reverse move is simple. It is a controlled trial-and-error, with clear upside potential and no asset cost.
