NHL News: Nicholas Roy makes something clear to Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs upon arrival after Mitch Marner’s dramatic exit

Though not entirely, the Toronto Maple Leafs are slowly seeing calm take over the town. At least for some days, until the 2025-26 NHL season comes around. After arriving in the organization as the return on Mitch Marner’s trade, Nicholas Roy has set the record straight on what it means to join Auston Matthews and company.

The worst might be behind them, but the job is far from finished for Matthews and the Maple Leafs. Marner is no longer around, no one can point at the hometown kid anymore. It’s a new day, one in which Toronto has no one to hold accountable but itself.

What’s done is done, now it’s time to move on. Obviously, that’s much easier said than done. Matthews and the Buds are well aware of that. Although he’s only just learning his way around The Six, Roy has seemingly adopted a similar mindset.

The fanbase in Hogtown is desperate for success. Words won’t satisfy that hunger—the Leafs must prove it on the ice. Roy knows it, and far from backing down, he’s eager for the challenge. Pressure makes diamonds—and judging by the constant duress, it’s a mystery how Toronto isn’t Canada’s mining capital.

Nicolas Roy #10 of the Vegas Golden Knights following their 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on April 18, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“To play, like I said, for a Canadian team — a bigger market — obviously there’s going to be a little bit of pressure. But I think that’s a privilege as a player,” Roy stated, via TheLeafsNation.com. “When there’s pressure, it means the expectations are high, and that’s when you want to play your best hockey.”

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What to expect

The Maple Leafs only come up against the Vegas Golden Knights twice a season. Thus, fans in Toronto might not be familiar with Roy’s playstyle and could be blindly walking into the 2025-26 NHL season, not knowing what to expect from the new centerman. In that case, the forward himself voiced a sincere message on his game.

“I know I’m never going to be the flashiest guy out there, or the fastest, or have the best shot. But I think I can do it all, especially when it matters most,” Roy admitted.

Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on November 21, 2021 in Elmont, New York.

If Matthews ever needs a linemate…

With the Maple Leafs staring at a big void in their top six, Roy’s comments about his compete level against the league’s best units might not be coincidental. Although both he and Matthews play center, the former Golden Knight isn’t opposed to switching spots on the ice.

“I’m hard to play against, I like going up against top players, and I can match up against the best lines on the other side,” Roy added. “I can play in every situation, and I think that’s definitely what I bring to the table.”

While Roy’s commitment will be deeply appreciated by head coach Craig Berube, the Buds are still searching for a top-six forward in the open market. Jack Roslovic remains the most appealing option, but Toronto isn’t alone in its pursuit for the unrestricted free agent (UFA).