After the big news yesterday that the Buffalo Sabres signed first round pick Mikhail Grigorenko, a report from Patrick Caisse of TVA Sports came out saying that the team had also signed Frederick Roy to a one-year, two-way AHL/ECHL contract.
Roy was a recent invitee of the team at their summer development camp and impressed with his shiftiness and play making ability, drawing similar comparisons to Tyler Ennis. Despite Roy’s small size, 5’10”, 160lbs, he put up big numbers last season while playing on the wing for the Quebec Remparts with Mikhail Grigorenko – 92 points (27+65) in just 64 games. He evidently impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a tryout either in Rochester or the ECHL.
Here’s what Grigorenko had to say about Roy, courtesy of the Buffalo News:
“I was playing with him all year long, I think he was one of the best linemates in my life,” Grigorenko said. “With him, he makes you better. He’ll always support you and he works hard and he wins all his battles and he’s a really smart player and he always passes the puck. For me, I really enjoyed to play with him.”
Another strong point Roy has going for him is that his father is Patrick Roy – who you may know as one of the goalies on the short list of “greatest ever.” Patrick was actually Frederick’s coach for the QMJHL Quebec Remparts, and the younger Roy said that they managed their relationship in a very business-like manner at the arena.
This will likely not be a move that impacts the Buffalo Sabres in any way this year, but considering Roy’s impressive bloodlines and point production, it could be one that will reap rewards a few years down the line.