Avalanche Trade for Nicolas Roy, Sending Draft Picks to Leafs
The Colorado Avalanche have made a significant move in the NHL by acquiring forward Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs. This trade is notable as it involves a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick.
Avalanche Trade for Nicolas Roy
The first-round pick given to the Maple Leafs is top-10 protected. This means that if the Avalanche finish in the bottom ten of the standings during the 2026-27 season, they will send the Leafs their unprotected 2028 first-round pick instead. Additionally, the Avalanche possess three fifth-round picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, with the lowest of these picks going to the Leafs at the end of the current season.
Nicolas Roy’s Performance and Background
- Nicolas Roy is in his first season with the Maple Leafs.
- He was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Mitch Marner last June.
- Roy has tallied five goals and 20 points in 59 games this season.
- He is projected to finish with 27 points, potentially marking his first season below 30 points since 2020-21.
- Roy was originally drafted 96th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015.
- He has played in nine NHL seasons, featuring prominently with the Golden Knights.
During his tenure with the Golden Knights, Roy achieved impressive statistics, including 13 goals and 41 points in the 2023-24 season. He played a vital role in their championship run, contributing as a forward known for his aggressive play. Throughout his career, Roy has amassed a total of 73 goals and 186 points across 428 regular-season games.
Future Prospects and Contract Details
Roy’s current contract is set to expire after the 2026-27 season, with an annual average value of $3 million. This acquisition aligns with the Avalanche’s strong performance, as they currently hold a record of 41-10-9, totalizing 91 points, the best in the NHL.
In contrast, the Maple Leafs sit at 27-24-11, with only 65 points, placing them seventh in the Atlantic Division and eight points adrift of a playoff spot. This trade may shift the dynamics for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
