Prospect Update: Kevin Roy

Photo: Associated Press

By Thomas Harrington

A fourth round pick from 2012, this will be Kevin Roy’s final season of rookie eligibility, as he’ll turn 26 next May. Since being drafted, he’s become one of Anaheim’s more dangerous offensive prospects, and has become one of their better minor league scorers. At this point, there’s not much more he can do in the AHL; it’s time for him to make his mark in the NHL.

Roy played with both Anaheim and San Diego this past season. He started the season with the Gulls, and scored two goals and three points in his first game of the season. He had a strong October overall, scoring eight points in eight games. He was recalled to Anaheim in November and made his NHL debut on November 9th against Vancouver. Roy scored his first career goal two games later against Boston. Overall, he played in 25 games with Anaheim and scored six goals and seven points. He was used sparingly with the Ducks, playing anywhere from eight to 15 minutes a night, but he did play more than 16 minutes on six different occasions.

Follow our podcast for a chance to win a $50 Cool Hockey Gift Card!

Roy was returned to the Gulls in early January and played with them through the rest of the season. Overall, he played in 45 AHL games and scored 14 goals and 37 points. Upon returning to the Gulls, Roy had a five game point streak and a second five game point streak in February. Despite missing so much time, Roy still finished fourth on the team in scoring. Unfortunately, like most of the rest of the Gulls, Roy went on a cold streak to end the season, scoring two goals in the final six games.

Last year, I had two expectations for Roy, and they were largely dependent on where he played. If he spent most of the season in San Diego, to score 20 goals and 50 points. If he was in Anaheim, to just play as much as possible, and I didn’t care too much about his point totals. Well, he didn’t hit those numbers with the Gulls, but that’s largely because of his time in Anaheim. If he had spent a full season in the AHL, then he would have hit those marks, so he met my San Diego expectations. As for his time in the NHL, I’m quite happy with what he did. While he was rarely Anaheim’s most dangerous forward, he showed that he can score at the NHL level and played in far more games than I anticipated.

The Return of Ryan Kesler?

This coming season, I’m really hoping that Roy spends most of it with the Ducks. While he may get some time with San Diego, I want him to play more NHL than AHL games. Roy primarily plays on the left side, and the Ducks do have an opening at the left wing position. Rickard Rakell will be Anaheim’s top left wing, and Andrew Cogliano will be the team’s checking line left wing. Nick Ritchie is Anaheim’s other top nine left winger. This past year, he had a really rough season. If he doesn’t step up this year, he could find himself on the fourth line or even a healthy scratch. Of course, Ritchie also needs a new contract before he can be inserted into the lineup. Regardless of Ritchie’s play and contract status, there’s at least one left wing spot open on the roster, and Roy is one of the players with the best chance to take it. Bob Murray also feels that way, commenting that he thinks Roy is one of several young forwards who has a chance to make Anaheim’s roster this coming season.

Roy was a restricted free agent this summer and signed a one-year, two-way deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent again next summer. If he can prove that he belongs in the NHL this year, he could land himself a one-way deal a year from now. However, if he ends up spending most of the year in the AHL, he’ll likely get another two-way deal instead.

The next prospect update will be on Antoine Morand. For more prospect articles visit DucksNPucks.com

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

August 27th, 2018