BROMONT – While he is aware that the next National Hockey League (NHL) draft will inevitably impact the future of the Montreal Canadiens, Quebec forward Joshua Roy is first focused on his own future with the team.

After recording nine points in his first 23 NHL games with the Habs last season, Roy says he’s ready to take the next step. At just 20 years old, the proud Beauceron hopes to become a regular player for the Canadiens and, if possible, find himself in the top-9 forward line.

“My goal is to reach a regular place,” he said on Monday, on the sidelines of the Fondation l’Originale golf tournament in Bromont. “That’s the goal and I’m going to put all the chances on my side by having a great summer of training.”

Starting this week in Montreal

After a short break to recharge “physically and mentally,” Roy will arrive in Montreal on Tuesday, where he will begin more intensive summer training.

“I want to continue to improve my physical condition,” said the young attacker, who will find some current Canadian players in the metropolitan area, including Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, in addition to some promising players. It’s up to me to prove what I’m capable of when I arrive at camp. I’ll arrive ready.”

“It’s fun to train together in the summer, the chemistry develops whether we want it or not,” Roy commented. It helps to be able to be with the guys, the coaches and the staff.”

David Savard: the mentor

As for whether his place in the team is still open for the next seasons, the young attacker assures that he felt comfortable last year as soon as he arrived in the Canadian dressing room.

“Everyone does their part to integrate you well, but David Savard is really someone who took me under his wing,” he said. He took me to a restaurant for dinner Boys. He is a good leader and all young people can say that.”

It now remains to be seen who will be the next young player to benefit from Savard’s mentorship. Cayden Lindstrom? Ivan Demidov? Berkly Catton? Tij Iginla?

“I definitely can’t wait to see what the team does,” Roy said before the draft, which is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on June 28 and 29. We have some good options in this draft.

“An attacker would be fun”

It should be remembered that the CH in particular holds the fifth selection overall.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s an attacker or a defender, he will be an excellent player, but it’s certain that an attacker would be the best.” Fun“, Roy replied with a smile when asked about a preference regarding the position of the player selected at the beginning of the first round.

On this issue, Roy seems to be on the same wavelength as many Canadiens fans.

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