Nicolas Roy Addresses Oilers Trade Rumour as Leafs Brace for Deadline
nicolas roy told reporters Wednesday he saw the trade rumour linking him to the Edmonton Oilers and is trying not to dwell on it, speaking after the Toronto Maple Leafs morning skate at Prudential Center. The Leafs are listening to offers and have set a steep asking price, with one insider listing a first-round pick and a prospect as the return. The NHL trade deadline is set for 3 p. m. ET on Friday, and both player and club are preparing for rapid movement.
Nicolas Roy addresses trade chatter
nicolas roy was direct about how he learned of the speculation: “I saw the rumour like everybody else. But, I mean, rumors, until they come true … really, nothing happened, ” he said following the morning skate. “I’m playing for the Leafs now, and I want to be here. ” The centre reiterated he is focused on his current role and the club’s run rather than on speculation about his immediate future.
Leafs’ asking price and roster context
The Maple Leafs appear to be taking a firm stance on what they would need in return. Frank Seravalli, identified as an insider, has outlined that Toronto wants a first-round pick plus a prospect for Roy. The club is not pressed to move its third-line centre before the deadline, but management is listening to offers while assessing roster needs.
Coach Craig Berube, head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, defended Roy’s on-ice value: “I know that his production is not where he wants to be, and we would like it a little higher, too. But it’s not from not doing things right… Overall, we’re pretty happy with his game. ” Berube highlighted Roy’s role on penalty kill units and faceoffs as reasons the club values his nightly contributions.
On the ice this season, Roy has five goals and a total of 20 points, and he has a 52. 4 percent faceoff win rate. The Leafs acquired Roy in a sign-and-trade that moved Mitch Marner away from the organization last summer, and Roy carries a contract reported at $3 million average annual value through 2026–27.
What’s next before the 3 p. m. ET deadline
Teams seeking centre depth, including playoff-bound clubs, have shown active interest around the trade deadline. General managers will have until 3 p. m. ET on Friday to finalize deals. nicolas roy remains unprotected and movable, and the coming 72 hours are likely to determine whether Toronto holds firm on its asking price or compromises to facilitate a deal.
Expect quick roster noise as the deadline approaches: the Leafs are keeping regular lineup decisions in place for now while they evaluate offers and performance. If talks accelerate, watch for adjustments to match immediate playoff needs and short-term cap strategies ahead of the 3 p. m. ET cut-off.
