Dave Litman
The Edmonton Oilers had Toronto Maple Leafs‘ defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson firmly on their radar, by all accounts. But soon after it was reported by Bob Stauffer that Toronto had already been offered a first-rounder for its top defenseman, the Oilers turned their attention elsewhere for a blueline boost. They landed Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.
But the Oilers still have their eyes on the Leafs, says Stauffer, and this time, center Nic Roy is the focus of their attention. “I do not believe the Oilers are done,” said Stauffer.
As Edmonton Journal beat writer Jim Matheson alluded to, Roy is built for the playoffs, at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. He played all 22 postseason games in the Vegas Golden Knights’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2023, notching 11 points while delivering 48 hits. And the Oilers have seen first-hand what Roy can bring in the playoffs, as they’ve faced him 11 times over the last few years. A six-game series loss in 2023, and a five-game series win in 2025.
Oilers eyeing 3rd-line center with size
A third-line center with size was one of the Oilers’ targets at this deadline, and the physical play, and responsible two-way game of Nic Roy fits the bill perfectly. He does carry a $3 million AAV for this year and next, so the Oil will need to find more room under the cap to make that happen.
Roy came to Toronto from the Golden Knights last summer as the return in the sign-and-trade for UFA Mitch Marner. He’s been a solid, realiable defensive forward for the Leafs this year, though his offense has slumped. He has just five goals and 20 points, after he’d averaged 14 goals and 35 points over the previous four years in Vegas. But size and physicality don’t go into a slump, and Roy still brings that. He contributes on the penalty kill, and he also wins faceoffs at a solid 53.5% clip.
Over his nine year career, 426 NHL games, Roy has 186 points, a plus/minus rating of +36, in an average of right around 15:00 of ice time per game.
