Roy, like Mailloux, have always been, what I like to call 'intriguing' prospects. And both have skating challenges. In Mailloux's case, I am hoping that these challenges are attributable to his lost two years of prime development. In Roy's case, he's always been a player more talented from the waist up than the waist down. Roy will never be a player that can rely on his skating skills. Does he have Tavares level skating? They are close. Tavares is stronger on his skates and has better first step quickness. But Roy is still growing as a player and he may well catch up to or even pass Tavares' level of skating . Both are smart players who possess vision and anticipation. Both have excellent shots.
Roy, like many other prospects, will hastily learn that he has to move the puck quickly as he will not be able to create time and space with his skating. This is where Roy's vision, anticipation and ability to process the play will come in handy. The biggest problem will be executing his defensive responsibilities. Since he has limited recovery speed, Roy must always keep the play in front of him. If not, he will be exposed. And exposed quickly.
As I have said, Roy presents as an intriguing prospect. In an era of the game where there's growing premium and reliance placed on speed/skating/mobility, it will be interesting to see whether this player's obvious non-skating talents can compensate for his obvious skating limitations. Other players have certainly been able to successfully overcome the burden of lacking elite speed. Perhaps Roy can join them.
