Which Canadiens' prospect makes a huge jump in a 2021 re-draft?
There are many reasons why prospects can fall way down on draft day. They can be too small (hello Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson), have personal issues, or have defensive lapses for instance.
Back in 2021, the Canadiens drafted Quebecer Joshua Roy with a fifth-round pick, 150th-overall to be exact. The winger had been a first-round pick in the QMJHL and slipping to the fifth-round was a wake-up call for the youngster.
In his 2021 re-draft, Scott Wheeler has the left winger going 18th overall, a bounce of 132 positions. While he explains the rise by the fact Roy had been unfairly judge for his difficult adaptation to the league and the bias that comes with being traded during a player's draft year. The French-Canadian media and the player himself were clear back then about why he slipped.
Simply put, scouts thought his work ethic wasn't good enough, something he discussed with NHL.com back in 2022. Before getting to the QJMHL, he never had to work hard according to Roy and as a result, he just wasn't in top form.
After being traded to Sherbrooke, he got back on track thanks to the coaching staff that designed a good conditioning program for the youngster. He realized he was lacking in that department. He was at the bottom of the pack and improving that is what helped him become dominant in the Q.
The Canadiens also had another rising prospect in the re-draft in Logan Mailloux who goes from 31st-overall to 21st-overall. A more modest jump, but a rise nonetheless.
After making his debut last season, Roy may have a regular role in the Canadiens' lineup this year, no matter what NHL.com predicts. If he does, the youngster will do his very best to grab his opportunity with both hands, as there's a top-six role up up for the taking.