Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Nicolas Roy was the Biggest Steal of the 2015 NHL Draft

Between now and the start of the preseason, Cardiac Cane will preview every Carolina Hurricanes prospect as they enter the 2015-2016 season and what we expect from them in the coming year and beyond.

Player: Nicolas Roy

Position: Center

Date of Birth: February 5, 1997 (18)

Birthplace: Amos, Quebec (Canada)

Height/Weight: 6’4″/198 lbs.

2015-2016 Team: Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

Scouting Report:

An aggressive power center who has the ability to dominate on the forecheck. The first thing you will notice about Nicolas Roy is that he is a full-framed figure who powers through his strides and finishes his checks. Subsequently, you will notice his nose for the net; he cannot be knocked off stride easily and has a good set of hands around the net. All-in-all, a big-bodied, imposing presence on the ice who threatens the opposition with his deadly medley of size and skill. (ELITE PROSPECTS)

One of the smarter defensive players in his draft class, Roy has transitioned from an offensively-dynamic player at the midget level to an all-around center. He is strong on face-offs and is often relied upon to take them in the defensive zone, but he can also play on a power-play and produce offensively. Roy projects as a third-line center. (HOCKEY’S FUTURE)

Potentially the Carolina Hurricanes’ biggest steal of the 2015 NHL Draft, Niclas Roy has an incredible blend of size, skill, and defense at the forward position.

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The French Canadian star broke into the QMJHL as a rookie in the 2013-2014 season with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. In 63 games played, Roy used his size and skill to rack up 16 goals and 41 points. He also proved to be a legitimate two-way player with signs of great defensive upside. He was heavily featured on the powerplay and penalty kill as a 17-year-old.

In his sophomore year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Roy continued to impress. He matched his 16-goal total from the year before, but he upped his assists from 25 to 34 and his total points from 41 to 50. He also tallied 5 points in 5 playoff games.

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Again, in 2014-2015, Nicolas Roy used his massive frame to play a key role in bored battles, faceoffs, and in the physical game. He had a great year defensively, as well.

Roy slipped a lot further than most expected in the 2015 draft. His massive build and good skill should’ve landed him a top-60 selection, but the Hurricanes lucked out when he was available in the 4th round. That type of talent isn’t very common in the middle rounds.

Nicolas Roy excels in the defensive aspect of his game. His 6’4″, 198 pound build also makes him a force on the physical side of the game, as well as establishing offensive zone time. He is great at keeping the puck from opposing players.

It wasn’t until the past couple seasons that Roy’s offense has actually started to come through. He had always been great defensively and in the faceoff circle, but he is also showing signs of top-six offensive upside. If he can turn into a point per game player in his third season in the OHL, it will make him one of the top prospects in the organization. Right now, he is likely the best center in the prospect pool.

Carolina Hurricanes

Despite having a lot of great tools, Roy still stands to put on a little more weight. If he can near the 210-220 pound range, it would make him bulkier and less lengthy, which would make him a more effective power forward at the pro level.

Also Roy is still pretty raw talent-wise. He has just recently started to breakout as an offensive weapon, so another year of upped production would go a long way in his development.

Down the road, Nicolas Roy’s high-level two-way skill should make him a great option as a third-line center and penalty killer at the NHL level. If he can continue to develop his offense in the QMJHL throughout the next couple of years, it would raise his ceiling to more of a top-six type player.

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This season, Roy will return to the Quebec league for his 3rd season with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He will be the leader of the forward group, and he will likely play in a big role both at even strength and on special teams.

Nicolas Roy may be the best forward prospect that the Carolina Hurricanes have playing in juniors right now.

Next: Carolina Hurricanes Player Ratings in EA Sports NHL 16