At a press conference earlier today, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis commented on the decision to cut forward Joshua Roy.

It was likely the most surprising decision of the day, but the Quebec-born forward indeed lost his spot to younger players like Emil Heineman and Oliver Kapanen.

Regarding Joshua Roy, Martin St-Louis provided an extensive response, openly stating that Roy didn’t deserve his place on the Canadiens’ lineup.

Along with Joshua Roy, Adam Engstrom, Jakub Dobes, and Logan Mailloux were also cut.

On the other hand, Emil Heineman, Oliver Kapanen, and Alex Barré-Boulet secured their places in the Canadiens’ 23-man roster to start the season.

Martin St-Louis Responds with Flair to Questions on Joshua Roy

Take a look at one notable excerpt:

 
«We don’t feel like he deserves a spot to start here (in Montreal) and I felt like Barré-Boulet deserved a spot to be here. In the end, it’s internal competition…»

– Martin St-Louis on Joshua Roy’s absence from the team
 

 

Clearly, Martin St-Louis, Kent Hughes, and company don’t feel Joshua Roy earned the right to play with the Montreal Canadiens at the start of the season.

Some experts, who claimed that Roy seemed to have taken the 2024 training camp lightly, are not surprised by the outcome for him. Personally, however, I am surprised (especially considering the injury suffered by Patrik Laine).

At this point, it’s up to Joshua Roy to respond and silence his critics.