Lucas Condotta called up to the HABS and Joshua Roy re-assigned to Laval
Written by Fed Arshoff
Edited by Judy Pitcher
Photo merge Marleme Wall
First of all I would like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing of my articles. I also like to thank Marlene Wall very much for the photo merge to make the cover photo of this article.A tip of my hat to Judy and Marlene
On Wednesday January 24, 2024 the HABS announced that they were re-assigning Joshua Roy to Laval. Although, the Rocket had a game that night, Roy did not play. That same night after the Rocket game, the HABS announced that they were recalling Lucas Condotta, who would play for the HABS on Thursday January 25, 2024.
I wasn’t surprised by this move, as the night before the HABS had played with only 3 centers. Having to double-shift centers is not an ideal situation. I originally though the HABS might claim Adam Ruzicka a 24 year old 6’4″ center, who was placed on waivers by the Calgary Flames. We had a roster spot available. However, I was wrong. Ruzicka hasn’t been a big point producer, so far this season having only 3 points.
The reason for calling up Lucas Condotta is that he can play both center and on the wing and we were in need of a center-man. Joshua Roy only plays on the wing. While up with the HABS Roy had 1G 1A for 2Pts in 6 games and was a -2 and he had ZERO penalty minutes.
I was impressed with Condotta’s play in the 2 games he played, however he had no stats for those games. So I wasn’t surprised that after the HABS game on Saturday January 26, 2024 Condotta was re-assigned to Laval, as the HABS have their By-week prior to the All Star Weekend and the Rocket have games this week, so he can play and continue his development.The HABS next game will be on Tuesday February 6, 2024 when the visit the Washington Capitals.
First of all I’d like to thank two ladies for their help on this article. First is my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing and updates if things change between the writing of the article and the publishing date. I’d also like to thank Marlene Wall for her excellent photo merges for my articles. A tip of my hat to both Judy and Marlene.
The HABS announced three roster changes on January 22nd and 23rd, 2024. The first was putting Mitchell Stephens on waivers with the plan to loan him back to the Laval Rocket if he didn’t get claimed, he wasn’t claimed and played for Laval on January 24, 2024 scoring a goal. Then Justin Barron was loaned to Laval after Arber Xhekaj was recalled to the HABS, On January 23, 2024 the HABS re-activated Tanner Pearson off the IR list.
After the 2 terrible games the HABS played in Boston on January 20, 2024 and in Ottawa on January 23, 2024, Iknew some roster moves would be made. Justin Barron’s play has fallen off in the last couple of weeks, since he was first inserted in the line-up because of injuries. While Arber Xhekaj was in Laval he was playing like a man with purpose having 3G 11A for 14 Pts in 17 games and was a +3, bringing along his defense partner in the process. Mailloux was a -7 prior to being paired with Xhekaj and is now a +4.After Xhekaj joined the Rocket they won 4 of 7 games, prior to Xhekaj’s coming to Laval the Rocket had only won 5 of 20 games. He was a difference maker.
Placing Mitchell Stephens on waivers was a risk. as he could have been claimed, as Gustav Lindstrom was, previously. The HABS weren’t ready to re-assign Joshua Roy back to Laval. They wanted to see more games from him at the NHL level to access his development since the start of the year. Roy had 1G 1A for 2 pts in 4 games. Mitchell Stephens was signed as an insurance policy in the case of an injury to any of our young forward prospects. Losing him to waivers would have affected the Laval Rocket far more than it would have affected the HABS.
As the HABS badly lost the 2 previous games, it looked like the whole team was out to lunch. it made sense to activate a veteran player off the IR after he was medically cleared to play.
Another move I would like to see the HABS make is to send Jordan Harris down to Laval, as his game has slipped recently, as well. I’d like to see them call-up Logan Mailloux who has played extremely well when he was paired with Arber Xhekaj, to see if they can have the same chemistry together with the HABS that they showed in Laval.
Patrick Roy hired as new Head Coach of the New York Islanders
Written by Fred Arshoff
Edited by Judy Pitcher
Research by Martine McGuire
DISCLAIMER
This article was written on January 23, 2024 after Patrick Roy won his 1st game as as the new Head Coach of the New York Islanders.
First of all I’d like to thank two ladies who are always there to help me. I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher who always does an outstanding job and makes corrections if things change since I wrote the article and she edited it. I’d also like to thank Martine McGuire for her research for this article and others I didn’t mention. A tip of my hat to you both, Judy and Martine.
I’d also like to congratulate Patrick Roy on being hired as the new Head Coach of the New York Islanders. Roy has waited a long time to be hired as a coach in the NHL again, after resigning from the Colorado Avalanche on August 11, 2016.
The New York Islanders named Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy as their new Head Coach after firing Lane Lambert on January 22, 2024.
Roy last coached in the NHL from 2013 to 2016. He was Head Coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Colorado Avalanche. Roy has a record of 130-92-24 which includes one playoff appearance. The Avalanche lost in game 7 to the Minnesota Wild. Roy won the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL Coach of the Year that season.
When Lou Lamoriello announced that he had hired Patrick Roy as his new Head Coach, he said Roy was his first choice. He acted quickly so he would get the person he wanted, as Roy had been interviewed by several other teams before being hired by the Islanders on January 21, 2024.
I’m not expecting Roy to be the coach he was with Colorado but a calmer more collected coach, as he was with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.The Islanders need a coach that will emphasize discipline on the ice. He also knows how to develop younger players, as he did in the QMJHL. . Although the Islanders are currently one of the older teams in the League.
In closing I’d like to wish Patrick Roy the very best of luck in his new coaching position with the Islanders
UPDATE
At this time the particulars of Roy’s contract(length and dollar value) have not been announced
Patrick Roy’s 1st game in Montreal against the Canadiens was Thursday January 25, 2024, where he got a standing ovation from the 21,000+ fans in the stands. The HABS would go on to win that game 4-3 on a late 3rd period goal from Sean Monahan.
First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher
for editing and verifying facts in all my articles. A tip of my hat to you, Judy. I know that some people were happy that Corey Perry was given a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance, we all make mistakes. After all, we are only human. There are also those that feel he doesn’t deserve a second chance, that he should have known better and should have sought help sooner. Hockey-wise I’m glad he signed with the Edmonton Oilers and that the HABS didn’t try to resign him. The HABS have so many young players who need playing time and time to develop. In the case of the Oilers it makes sense that they signed Perry to a contract until the end of the 2023-24 season. The Oilers are Stanley Cup contenders and his leadership, mentorship and NHL playoff experience will be invaluable this season. Let’s remember that even after Corey Perry left the HABS, when Cole Caufield was struggling under Head Coach Dominique Duchame, Perry called Caufield frequently to encourage him. That is real mentorship and for a team heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs, this is a huge help. I’m sure GM Ken Holland will continue to do his due diligence to ensure Corey Perry remains clean since leaving rehab. The Oilers front Office and his team mates will also keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t fall back into his old ways. Corey Perry has a lot of playoff experience with 53G 71A for 124 pts in 196 playoff games. He also has 3 Stanley Cup Finals appearances with the Dallas Stars in 2020, the Montreal Canadiens in 2021 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022. This could certainly help the Oilers players who have yet to experience the Stanley Cup Finals. In 2011 Corey Perry won the HART Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player in the League during the 2010-11 season. He led the NHL with 50 goals and finished 3rd in points with 98, behind Daniel Sedin and Martin St Louis. Before the Blackhawks terminated his contract on November 30, 2023 his cap hit for the 2023-24 season was $4,000,000. Since the Blackhawks must still pay Perry what he is owed, the Oilers signed him to a one-year contract for $775,000 with an additional $325,000 in performance bonuses. The performance bonuses as broken down as such:
$225,000 for 10 games played 2. $50,000 if Edmonton wins the 2nd round of the playoffs and Perry plays in a) 50% of the 2nd round games or b) 50% of the total 1st and 2nd round games.
First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for editing and verifying facts in all my articles. A tip of my hat to you, Judy.
I know that some people were happy that Corey Perry was given a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance, we all make mistakes. After all, we are only human. There are also those that feel he doesn’t deserve a second chance, that he should have known better and should have sought help sooner.
Hockey-wise I’m glad he signed with the Edmonton Oilers and that the HABS didn’t try to resign him. The HABS have so many young players who need playing time and time to develop. In the case of the Oilers it makes sense that they signed Perry to a contract until the end of the 2023-24 season.The Oilers are Stanley Cup contenders and his leadership, mentorship and NHL playoff experience will be invaluable this season. Let’s remember that even after Corey Perry left the HABS, when Cole Caufield was struggling under Head Coach Dominique Duchame, Perry called Caufield frequently to encourage him. That is real mentorship and for a team heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs, this is a huge help.
I’m sure GM Ken Holland will continue to do his due diligence to ensure Corey Perry remains clean since leaving rehab. The Oilers front Office and his team mates will also keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t fall back into his old ways.
Corey Perry has a lot of playoff experience with 53G 71A for 124 pts in 196 playoff games. He also has 3 Stanley Cup Finals appearances with the Dallas Stars in 2020, the Montreal Canadiens in 2021 and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022. This could certainly help the Oilers players who have yet to experience the Stanley Cup Finals.
In 2011 Corey Perry won the HART Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player in the League during the 2010-11 season. He led the NHL with 50 goals and finished 3rd in points with 98, behind Daniel Sedin and Martin St Louis.
Before the Blackhawks terminated his contract on November 30, 2023 his cap hit for the 2023-24 season was $4,000,000. Since the Blackhawks must still pay Perry what he is owed, the Oilers signed him to a one-year contract for $775,000 with an additional $325,000 in performance bonuses.
$225,000 for 10 games played
$50,000 if Edmonton wins the 2nd round of the playoffs and Perry plays in a) 50% of the 2nd round games or b) 50% of the total 1st and 2nd round games.
$50,000 if Edmonton wins the 3rd round of the playoffs and Perry plays in a) 50% of the 3rd round games or b) 50% of the total games in rounds 1, 2 and 3.
Note that this salary is pro-rated for 82 games. He has to play for the Oilers and he doesn’t get the full amount if he doesn’t play. Perry is now 38 years old, so if he has to retire due to injury, the team does not get salary cap relief.
This article was written on January 22,2024 before the roster moves where made by the HABS on January22, and 23,2024,
First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing of this and all previous articles. A tip of my hat to you, Judy.
I decided to write this article for two reasons. The first is, of course, because Roy scored the 1st of what I’m sure will be many goals, on January 17. 2024. Then on Saturday January 20, 2024 due to his excellent play, he replaced Jesse Ylonen when Josh Anderson returned off injury.
Photo below Joshua Roy with puck for his first NHL goal
Roy was one of the last prospects to be sent down to Laval at the start of the 2023-24 season. It was the best thing for his development, he learned to play without the puck. He has improved significantly in that aspect of his game. Besides, it would also have been a very big jump to come directly into the NHL from the QMJHL
He started his professional career with the Rocket, scoring goals like a house on fire, but then went through a period where he wasn’t scoring. He seemed confused out on the ice and to have lost his confidence. I don’t know if the coaching or player development staff worked with him separately, but he began scoring again and all was back to normal.
The HABS didn’t call him up the first couple of times, instead they called up Emil Heineman , who had more experience and they were in need of a 3rd or 4th line forward. Roy is considered by many to be a future 1st or 2nd line forward and call-ups should reflect the position they are called up for. Calling up Roy made sense, as he would be replacing Josh Anderson who is counted on for his production(although this season his production has been below average). Roy plays on the top lines and the Power Play in Laval.
I was very happy to see Joshua Roy score his 1st NHL goal in only his 3rd game with the HABS, and follow it up with an assist of Joel Armia’s goal in the very next game.
Video below Joshua Roy’s 1st NHL goal
Roy seems to have made the jump to the NHL fairly successfully. Roy was drafted in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft in the 5th round as the 150th overall pick.
Video below Joshua Rot’s at NHL entry draft
Prior to being called up by the HABS, Roy had 12 goals 18 assists for 30 points in 34 games and has 10 minutes in penalties. He is a -9 which means he still has work to do on the defensive part of his game. I’m sure while he is up with the HABS Head Coach Martin St Louis, Assistant Coach Alex Burrows, as well Adam Nicholas Head of Hockey Development will be working with him on that aspect of his game.
I won’t be surprised if when the other forwards start returning from injury, that Roy will be re-assigned to Laval, pending any upcoming trades.
ALEX BELZILE wasn’t extended by HABSand the cost to Belzile
Written by Fred Arshoff
Edited by Judy Pitcher
First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing of my articles. A tip of my hat to you Judy.
As people know Alex Belzile became a UFA on July 1, 2023 and was not offered a contract extension by the HABS, which he had hoped for.The HABS felt they had a lot of young forwards and prospects in the system and would need room to bring them in.Belzile signed a two year contract with the New York Rangers. The first year is a two-way contract which pays him $775,000 in the NHL and $450,000 while he plays for the Hartford Wolf Pack , the Ranger’s AHL affiliate. The second year is a one-way deal which will pay him $775,000.
I understand Belzile’s point of view in signing with the Rangers, as it gave him two years of job security. More importantly there is a one-way deal in year two, paying him the NHL salary of $775,000 even when he is playing in the AHL. During the 2022-23 season he was on a two-way contract paying him only $250,000 while with the Laval Rocket. At 32 he decided to take the extra security and higher pay, as any of us would.
After Belzile signed with the Rangers and the HABS were hit with injuries, it opened up spaces to call up younger prospects like Mitchell Stephens and Emil Heineman. They would not have had that opportunity had Alex Belzile remained. Who could have foreseen the HABS being hit with a record amount of injuries for the 3rd straight year.
So far in the 2023-24 season Alex Belzile has only played for the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he has 11 goals 17 assists for 28 points in 30 games and is 0 on the +/- stat. He also has accumulated 22 minutes in penalties.
In closing I’d like to wish Alex Belzile the best of luckas he continues his hockey career.
First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her excellent editing of all my articles. A tip of my hat to you Judy.
I’m writing this article, as Martine McGuire asked me my thoughts on the HABS trading Sean Monahan, thoughts on the HABS trading Sean Monahan, since the rumours are starting. Normally, I don’t react to rumours but this one seems to be circulating. I’ll answer in the form of an article, so everyone knows my thoughts.
To me this is a no-brainer, don’t trade Monahan, he is too valuable to be traded at this point, perhaps in a year or two when our young forwards/centers are developed, it would be a different matter. I will explain the reasons for my decision. The HABS need the veteran leadership that Monahan brings. We don’t know how much longer Brendan Gallagher will be playing, considering his age and all the injuries he has had which have taken their toll on him.Gallagher’s contract only expires on July 1, 2027 but we don’t know if injuries will force him to retire early, as we saw with Carey Price’s injuries, forcing him to stop playing before his contract expires.
Monahan is our best face-off man and you need to win face-offs to be successful. We still have Christian Dvorak who plays left wing/center and is good in the face-off circle. However, Dvorak has not played more than 70 games in a season since 2012-13 with the Arizona Coyotes. You need a center you can depend on and not be injury prone. In the 2022-23 season he only played 64 games and this season has played only 25 games before suffering a season ending injury.
Jake Evans is good but doesn’t win as many face-offs as Monahan. Evans is a good 3rd line center whereas Monahan is a 1st or 2nd line center.
Nick Suzukiis an excellent young center but he can’t center two lines and also doesn’t win as many face-offs as Monahan.
We also still have Kirby Dach who was finding success at center until he was seriously injured at the start of the season and hasn’t played a full season in his career, yet. So we can’t count on him playing a full season, as his injuries are accumulating.
People have been saying GM Kent Hughes promised to trade Monahan to a contending team. This may have been a verbal agreement between Hughes and Monahan when the HABS extended him on June 20, 2023.Monahan took a substantial cut in salary to stay with the HABS, going from $6.375,000/year to $1,985,00 with a $15,000 bonus if he stayed healthy past the 25 game mark, which he has done. If Hughes may have made a side deal with Monahan, that he would trade him to a contending team if he played well and stayed healthysuch a deal was made,we know Hughes will keep his word. Word gets around if a GM makes a promise and then doesn’t keep his word. However, we have seen that Hughes does keep his word, which should make it easier to sign free agents if he wishes.
In closing, I would like to wish Sean Monahan the very best in his NHL career and hopefully it will be with the HABS.
JUDY’S THOUGHTS
I like Sean Monahan, he is a calming influence and a great mentor to the young players.However, I see him being trade to a contending team by the deadline. He will turn 30 on October 12, 2024 and has been prone to injury. He may not have too many more seasons to get his name on the Stanley Cup and I’m sure GM Kent Hughes considered that when making the deal with him. Trading him while he is healthy and can contribute to a Cup contender may get Hughes some draft picks or prospects.
Monahan becomes a UFA on July 1, 2024, so if he wanted to return to the HABS, Hughes agrees and we have the cap space, he could be back on the HABS before the start of the 2024-25 season.
Montreal Sports 