NHL draft tracker: Nicolas Roy, Chicoutimi Sagueneens

Nicolas Roy has turned heads with every move he’s made in the QMJHL level, even before he took the ice as a 16-year-old rookie.

Roy was drafted with the first-overall pick in the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, but then refused to report, after his father cited wanting to study in a Quebec school as the biggest reason for his no-show.

Fortunately, when it comes to the NHL, Roy will have already graduated from high school, so schooling won’t be an issue there regarding his draft stock.

The Chicoutimi Saguenéens were the benefactor of the whole thing, sweeping in and making a deal with the Screaming Eagles, picking up the Amos, Que.-native for three first round picks, one each in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Saguenéens coach Patrick Bosch sounds like a man who would make that trade again in a heartbeat when he describes Roy as a player.

“He has so much [talent], we have a hard time putting it into words,” Bosch said of his 17-year-old center. “He’s so smart on the ice he does things and sees things other players don’t see. Us as coaches on the bench we don’t know how he sees what he sees. He has amazing vision and incredible hands.”

Roy has started off slow this season, with just two points in seven games, but Bosch isn’t worried that his scoring has dried up.

“He plays a lot of the time, everything but penalty killing,” Bosch said. “He sees a lot of ice, with our veteran players.

“He’s a guy that doesn’t have to go looking for goals. It will come around.”

It came around 16 times for Roy last season, a modest sum considering his 41 points last season was good enough for fourth in the league among 16 year olds. He, and the other 16 year olds in the league, was lapped by 13th overall pick Daniel Sprong of the Charlottetown Islanders.

However, Roy led his Quebec team in scoring during the world under-17 hockey challenge, with nine points in six games. He also had a point a game in both the under-18 development tournament, and at the under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he had five points in five games.

“I had a great experience last year with the under-17s with Team Canada’s program, and it was a good experience this summer as well,” Roy said. “It’s prepared me for what’s coming next this season.”

What’s coming next could be a first round pick at next June’s entry draft. While Roy stayed mum on the subject, his coach spoke up.

“I think he’s got the talent to be a first round pick,” Bosch said. “As long as he has the season I believe he can have, he’s a first round talent.

“His shot could use some work. His speed can be picked up, [but] he’s made great strides already from last year. All it takes is time. I think he’ll be very good this year and even better in the coming years. He’s had a good upbringing and he’s very smart. Amazing amount of talent.”

1. How would you describe your style of play?

Roy: “I’m a player with good vision. I love to create offensive plays, but I love to be strong defensively as well.”

2. In the summer, players are trying to get bigger, stronger, faster. Tell me about your summer program.

“I gained some weight. I went to Toronto and Los Angeles for hockey camps and tried to be faster, too.”

3. Have you enjoyed your time in Chicoutimi so far?

“I love it in Chicoutimi. It’s a great organization. I’ve had an excellent time here from the moment I arrived.”

4. How do you feel about entering [the year,] knowing the scouts are watching?

“We know the scouts are watching, but we try to focus on the game, and we try to help the team to be better.”

5. Do you have any personal goals for the year this season?

“Like every year, I hope to play as good as possible and help the team the most I can, but I don’t have any goals or things I look for personally.”

Questions 2 and 4 were taken from this video, from John Moore of SportsandMoore.com: