MINUS
Roy’s critics point out his disappointing tenure with the Colorado Avalanche. After winning the Jack Adams in 2014, the Avs failed to make the playoffs in the next two seasons. That situation led to his dismissal.
However, that dismissal should be taken with a grain of salt. The Avs were a team trending downward, eventually finishing at the bottom of the league standings. Those poor finishes led to crucial draft picks, which allowed the team to regroup and become a Stanley Cup champion.
Fast forward to 2024, and Roy is in somewhat of a similar situation in New York. While the Isles aren’t exactly trending downward, the club has underperformed following its back-to-back Conference Final appearances.
As such, the biggest concern might be Roy’s inability to get players to buy into his system. Like Trotz, Roy demands a lot from his players. While we shouldn’t expect Roy to start cracking the whip, we should expect him to make players accountable for their actions and miscues.
That sort of attitude may not sit well with some players. But if last year’s turnaround is any indication, Roy shouldn’t have much of a problem getting players to keep their heads in the game for 60 minutes.
The Verdict
Patrick Roy must be a positive influence on the New York Islanders. If successful, the Isles could be looking at a renaissance this upcoming season.
But like all things in life, there are ifs to consider. Those ifs, such as injuries, could wreak havoc on Roy’s approach and system. The hope is that enough things go right, allowing the team to reach its full potential.
If that’s the case, we could be in for an exciting season of Islanders hockey in 2024-25.