The Capitals are naming Matt Roy one of their alternate captains.
PHILADELPHIA — The Washington Capitals will see a new player wear the "A" on the road starting Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, as Matt Roy will serve as an alternate captain.
It's an opportunity that Spencer Carbery feels the 31-year-old defenseman has earned at this point, especially when it comes to filling John Carlson's void.
"I think he's growing into a leadership role and where he's at in his career, and now being in his second year here, just feel like he's a guy that can sort of step up," Carbery said.
Roy played in his 500th career NHL game back on Monday and has been a fixture on the Capitals' top-4 since signing a six-year deal to join D.C. back in summer 2024.
Through 62 games so far this season, Roy has a goal and 14 assists for 15 points, along with a plus/minus rating of plus-13. He's trusted to play a shutdown role and is a versatile, right-hand shot who can do just about anything asked of him.
It's the way that he carries himself off the ice, though, that makes him a top candidate to wear the "A." While he's not the loudest in the room, or the most vocal, his voice does carry as his teammates take what he says in stride.
That, and his attitude, hard-working mentality and presence make him an easy choice for the role, Carbery said.
"He's not all of a sudden going to be John Carlson and be this vocal guy that's the life of the party, but he has a lot to offer when it comes to leadership," Carbery said. "Guys really respect him a lot with how he plays, how he leads by example. I think giving him that opportunity, he deserves it."