Why Trading Nicolas Roy Could Be the Right Move for the Maple Leafs at the Deadline
As the NHL trade deadline draws closer, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar position: walking the tightrope between buying and selling. It’s a balancing act that requires both foresight and flexibility - and GM Brad Treliving will need plenty of both.
One name that could be on the move? Nicolas Roy.
Now, Roy’s not the flashiest name in the rumor mill, but that’s exactly what makes him intriguing. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t make headlines but can quietly tilt the ice in your favor. And in a deadline market that’s light on quality centers, that kind of value can go a long way.
Roy’s Role in Toronto - and Why It Might Be Time to Move On
Roy, 29, came to Toronto in last offseason’s Mitch Marner blockbuster. It took him a bit to settle in, but over time he’s carved out a niche as a bottom-six center. Through 54 games, he’s posted five goals and 15 assists - not eye-popping numbers, but respectable for a player logging 14:40 a night, mostly in defensive situations and on the penalty kill.
Defensively, he’s been solid. Roy’s won 54% of his draws, reads the ice well, and does a good job staying on the right side of the puck - a key trait for any shutdown forward. He’s not giving up a lot of high-danger chances, and that’s exactly what you want from a center in that role.
But when it comes to offensive upside, the results have been mixed. Craig Berube gave Roy a shot as a net-front presence on the second power-play unit earlier in the season, hoping his 6-foot-4 frame would translate into greasy goals down low. It hasn’t panned out - just one power-play goal to show for it - and the Leafs have since shifted gears with that unit.
And while Roy has the size, he’s not exactly throwing his weight around. With just 58 hits on the season, he’s not the kind of physical presence fans might expect from a shutdown center of his build.
The Market Is Thin - and That’s Good News for Toronto
Here's where things get interesting. The trade market for centers this year is razor-thin, and that puts the Leafs in a position of leverage.
Roy is signed through next season at a very manageable $3 million cap hit and doesn’t have any trade protection. That kind of contract flexibility matters, especially for contenders looking to add depth without blowing up their books.
Teams like the Oilers, Avalanche, Kings, and Canadiens are all reportedly looking for help down the middle. Three of those clubs - Edmonton, Colorado, and L.A. - are intimately familiar with Roy’s game from his time in Vegas. That familiarity can go a long way when front offices are debating whether to pull the trigger.
As for Montreal, the in-division premium would be steep - but if the Habs are willing to overpay, Treliving has every reason to listen.
Why Moving Roy Opens Doors for Others
Trading Roy wouldn’t just be about recouping assets - it could also help the Leafs reconfigure their lineup. Scott Laughton is pushing for more minutes, and Roy’s presence is clogging that path. If Treliving is serious about locking Laughton up long-term - and all signs point that way - clearing the logjam at center makes sense.
Laughton brings a more physical edge and has shown he can handle a third-line role with more responsibility. Giving him that opportunity could pay dividends, especially on both sides of the puck.
And then there’s Jacob Quillan. The Leafs have 25 games left, and that’s a perfect window to give Quillan a longer look. He’s earned a shot, and with Roy potentially out of the picture, there’s room to see what the young pivot can do.
There’s also the practical side of roster management: if Laughton is also being dangled on the market, it makes sense to keep at least one of the two for next season’s shutdown duties. Treliving can’t afford to come out of this deadline with a hole in the middle and no clear plan to fill it.
Leafs at a Crossroads
Toronto hit the Olympic break with a 27-21-9 record, sitting six points back of a playoff spot. It’s not panic time, but it is decision time. The Leafs aren’t flush with trade chips, so maximizing the value of movable players like Roy is crucial.
This isn’t about waving the white flag - it’s about being smart and opportunistic. Roy’s been a serviceable piece in his first season with the Leafs, and he did have a strong two-week stretch alongside Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson. But if there’s a chance to flip him for future value or a better fit, that’s a move worth making.
Treliving has some tough calls ahead, and Roy’s situation is one of the more nuanced ones. But in a seller’s market for centers, the Leafs may never have a better time to cash in.
Don’t be surprised if Roy is on the move before March 6. It’s not a knock on his game - it’s just business. And for a team trying to retool without taking a step back, it might be exactly the kind of business Toronto needs to do.