Bold Trade Proposal Emerges to Finally Solve Canadiens' Biggest Weakness
The name of forward Joshua Roy is currently circulating in several trade rumors, and he experienced some struggles during the 2024-25 season. In recent hours, a journalist raised the idea of sending Roy to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a veteran 6'5", 222 lb defenseman.
A native of Saint-Georges-De-Beauce, Joshua Roy was selected in the 5th round, 150th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.
It was surprising to see the right winger's name called so late, especially considering that just a few years earlier, he had been the first overall pick in the 2019 QMJHL Draft.
In that same draft class, Zachary Bolduc - who is now also part of the Canadiens organization - was selected 14th overall by the Rimouski Océanic.
Unfortunately for Joshua Roy, he has suffered several injuries since 2020 and has missed a lot of hockey, which has undoubtedly impacted his development.
In 2023-24, he had some strong moments with the Canadiens, recording 4 goals and 9 points in 23 games. However, he was unable to show any progression last season, managing just 2 goals in 12 games.
Roy is still only 21 years old and has plenty of potential. In the AHL with the Laval Rocket during 2024-25, he finished with 20 goals and 35 points in 47 games, plus 4 goals and 10 points in 13 playoff games.
A journalist suggests the Montreal Canadiens trade Joshua Roy to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Erik Gudbranson
In a new article, journalist Cole Shelton from Heavy suggests that the Montreal Canadiens should trade Joshua Roy to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with a 2026 third-round pick.
In return, Montreal would acquire veteran Erik Gudbranson. Standing at 6'5", 222 lbs, Gudbranson is a very physical veteran defenseman who can drop the gloves but also contribute offensively - having recorded 26 points in 78 games during the 2023-24 season.
The idea of a pairing featuring Arber Xhekaj and Erik Gudbranson is terrifying. However, Xhekaj is already projected as the Canadiens' 7th defenseman according to Daily Faceoff, and bringing in Gudbranson would likely push Jayden Struble out of the defensive rotation.
What do you think of this trade proposal?
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 314 ANSWERS Bold Trade Proposal Emerges to Finally Solve Canadiens' Biggest Weakness Do you think Joshua Roy will start next season with the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 70 | 22.3 % |
| No | 244 | 77.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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