'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner Deal

Nic Roy was on a trip with family and friends when he found out that he was being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The forward is a couple of weeks away from getting married, so it's an exciting time for the newest Leaf, who was part of the trade that saw the end of Mitch Marner's tenure with the blue and white.

"It was a good feeling. Obviously, shocked a little bit at first, but kind of learned about it a couple of days ago. So now I feel really good about it. I've got time to reflect and look at everything and really excited to join the Leafs for sure."

The newest Maple Leafs met the media via Zoom where he discussed the new opportunity to play in Toronto and even revealed that he grew up cheering for the Maple Leafs, despite growing up in Quebec.

Report: Maple Leafs Trade Mitch Marner To Vegas Golden Knights, Agrees To Eight-Year Deal Worth $12 Million AAVMitch Marner is on his way to Las Vegas.

Q: What excites you the most about the Leafs? What stands out about this team?

Roy: I want to be part of a team that's winning and obviously watching just the playoffs last year. I think for the (Florida) Panthers, their biggest challenge was the Leafs. And I think this group is ready to win right now. And that's why I want to be part of a team like that for sure.

Q: You played a pretty pivotal role on a Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023. What was it about that run and that experience that you think you can bring to Toronto?

Roy: I think just the full experience. Every time you win with a team, you know what it takes. There's always going to be ups and downs. Just the pressure of the moment. I think it's really what I enjoy. I really like to play in those big moments. That's what we play for as hockey players. So obviously I'm bringing the Stanley Cup experience that I got with me, but I got a lot of experience in the playoffs as well.

Golden Knights Trade Nic Hague To Predators: What It Means For Maple Leafs And Mitch Marner Trade TalksAs speculation intensifies around a potential trade of Mitch Marner's negotiating rights from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights, one potential trade piece is now off the table. Early Monday morning, multiple reports surfaced that Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague was being dealt to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Lauzon and forward Colton Sissons. Hague is also expected to sign a four-year extension worth $5.5 million per season.

Q: I'm just wondering about your run to the Stanley Cup. Is there a specific aspect that you can point to that is absolutely crucial for a team to have in order to get to that point?

Roy: I mean, there's a lot of things that come to mind, but I think everybody has to accept their role, whatever it is. I think obviously you've got their skilled players, you've got the guys that are going to play eight to ten minutes and got to be willing to play those physical minutes. So wherever you are in the lineup, or even if you're not in the lineup, you've got to be ready to jump in when you're getting asked. So I think I would say it's probably the biggest thing. Be there for your teammates and be ready to play any roles you're asked to play.

Q: I know it's a more complicated deal than a straight up one for one, but what did you think when you heard you were being traded so that for Mitch Marner, basically? How did you take the trade?

Roy: Well, obviously, knowing what Mitch has been in this league for a long time, what he means to the organization. Like I said, he's been a big part of this group. I played with Mitch on Team Canada when we were younger. He's an awesome player. So obviously brings a little bit of pressure knowing obviously what is meant to the team. But at the same time, there's only one thing I can control, and it's getting ready for a season, getting ready this summer, working out and skating and getting ready for a season. So that's what I'm focusing on right now.

'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden KnightsMitch Marner has officially departed the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Q: What are your impressions of playing with guys like Auston Matthews and William Nylander?

Roy: I mean, two dynamic players. Obviously, really fun to watch both of them. Really excited to see what they do on a daily basis, what their routine is, and learning from them. So, yeah, pretty exciting to see them and work with them.

Q: A bit of a two-parter. First, growing up in Quebec. Who was the team you grew up watching? And secondly, what have the conversations been like for you with management about the role? I know it's a little bit early, but have you had any of those discussions?

Roy Well, first of all, it's kind of funny because growing up, I was actually, until I was maybe 11 or 12, I was actually a Leafs fan because my favorite player growing up was Mats Sundin. So I was cheering for the Leafs until I was 11 or 12 and then he signed with Vancouver. So I kind of switched to Montreal. But I guess we don't have to think about that second part. But as far as the role, I mean, it's been pretty quick, right? I've talked to a coach in GM in discussions, but mostly just welcoming me to the team and really excited to have me. So yes, it's we haven't really talked about a role or anything like that.

(Photo Credit: David Alter/THN)