Brief Introduction of Nicolas Roy
Nicolas Roy is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 5, 1997, he is known for his impressive two-way capabilities, combining strong defensive play with offensive contributions. Roy’s journey to the NHL was marked by a standout major junior career with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015 and later played a pivotal role in the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup victory. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Roy’s size and skill have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for. His career is distinguished by both individual accolades and significant team achievements, including a Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers.
Nicolas Roy Overview
| Full Name | Nicolas Roy |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Amos, Quebec, Canada |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Player |
| Husband/Wife | Laurie Pepin |
| Family | Parents – Nick and Lisa Roy; Sister – Mélina Roy |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Laurie Pepin |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15-$20 million |
Early Life and Education of Nicolas Roy
Nicolas Roy was born on February 5, 1997, in Amos, Quebec, Canada, to parents Nick and Lisa Roy. His father, Nick, was an educator in Amos. Roy grew up in a hockey-loving family, and his sister, Mélina, is also a hockey player who represented Team Quebec at the 2012 National Women’s Under-18 Championship. Contrary to some speculation, Nicolas Roy is not related to the legendary NHL goaltender Patrick Roy.
Roy’s passion for hockey developed at a young age. He played minor ice hockey for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies Bantam AA during the 2010–11 season. At the age of 14, he began his Quebec midget AAA hockey career with the Amos Forestiers, where in his rookie season, he played in 43 regular-season games and helped lead his team to the quarterfinals. His outstanding play earned him an invitation to the Allstate All-Canadians mentorship camp in 2012. In 2013, he competed for Team Québec White at the QGC-16 and received the QMAAA’s Prospect Award.
Education was a significant priority for Roy and his family. This was evident when he was drafted first overall in the 2013 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Roy and his father made it clear that he wished to complete his schooling within the Quebec school system and would not report to the Nova Scotia-based team. This led to his rights being traded to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, allowing him to enroll locally in Cégep de Chicoutimi. His dedication to his studies was recognized during his junior career, as he was a finalist for the Marcel Robert Trophy, an award for the best student-athlete in the QMJHL.
Nicolas Roy’s Career
Nicolas Roy’s professional ice hockey career has been on a steady upward trajectory, marked by significant achievements at every level.
Junior Career
Roy’s major junior career with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL was prolific. In his rookie season, he was named an assistant captain and recorded 41 points in 63 games. His performance steadily improved, and in the 2015-16 season, he led the entire QMJHL in goals with 48, finishing the season with a career-high 90 points in 63 games. This outstanding season earned him a spot on the QMJHL First All-Star Team. Following this successful season, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on April 9, 2016. In his final QMJHL season (2016-17), he was again named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team and also received the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward.
Professional Career
After signing with the Carolina Hurricanes, who had drafted him 96th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Roy began his professional career with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. In his rookie AHL season (2017-18), he recorded 37 points in 68 games. He made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes on April 7, 2018, in the final game of the season. The following season, he was instrumental in the Charlotte Checkers’ Calder Cup championship run, tallying 15 points in 19 playoff games.
On June 26, 2019, Roy was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. During the 2019-20 season, he split his time between the Golden Knights and their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. He scored his first career NHL goal on October 27, 2019, against the Anaheim Ducks. On April 22, 2020, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Golden Knights.
Roy’s role with the Golden Knights continued to expand, and during the 2021-22 season, he set career highs in goals (15), assists (24), and points (39) in 78 games. This breakout performance led to a five-year, $15 million contract extension on August 8, 2022. The following season, he was a key contributor to the Vegas Golden Knights’ historic Stanley Cup victory in 2023.
On July 1, 2025, in a significant trade, Roy was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Mitch Marner as part of a sign-and-trade deal.
International Play
Roy has also represented Canada on the international stage. He won a gold medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships, and a silver medal at the 2017 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Nicolas Roy Personal Life & Family
Nicolas Roy maintains a relatively private personal life. He was born to Nick and Lisa Roy and has a sister named Mélina. He is now married to his long-time partner, Laurie Pepin. The couple, who had been together for over a decade, tied the knot on July 19, 2025, at Manoir Montpellier in Quebec. They had gotten engaged in November 2023. Roy and his wife share a love for travel and have been pictured on vacation together. They also have a cat named Pedigree, who famously posed in the Stanley Cup during Roy’s day with the trophy.
Awards and Achievements of Nicolas Roy
- Stanley Cup Champion (2023)
- Calder Cup Champion (2019)
- QMJHL First All-Star Team (2016, 2017)
- Guy Carbonneau Trophy (Best Defensive Forward in QMJHL) (2017)
- World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Silver Medal (2017)
- IIHF World U18 Championship Bronze Medal (2015)
- Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament Gold Medal (2014)
- QMAAA Prospect Award (2013)
Nicolas Roy Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Nicolas Roy’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 and $20 million. His primary source of income is his NHL salary. On August 8, 2022, he signed a five-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights worth $15,000,000, with an average annual salary of $3,000,000. This contract is guaranteed and will see him earn a base salary of $2,500,000 in the 2025-26 season. His estimated career earnings through the 2025 season are approximately $14,770,565. Prior to this lucrative deal, he was on a two-year, $1,500,000 contract with the Golden Knights. His entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes was a three-year deal worth $2,115,000.
Legacy and Influence
Nicolas Roy is building a legacy as a versatile and dependable two-way forward. His journey, from being a top prospect in the QMJHL to a Stanley Cup and Calder Cup champion, is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is seen as a player who can contribute in all situations – even strength, power play, and penalty kill. His size, skill, and hockey intelligence make him a valuable player who can shut down top opponents while also contributing offensively. His decision to prioritize his education early in his junior career also sets a positive example for young, aspiring hockey players. As he enters a new chapter of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he is expected to bring his winning experience and leadership to the team.
Interesting Facts about Nicolas Roy
- He was the unanimous first overall pick in the 2013 QMJHL draft.
- He refused to play for the team that drafted him in the QMJHL, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, to ensure he could continue his education in Quebec.
- His sister, Mélina Roy, is also a competitive hockey player.
- During the 2019-20 season, he was part of a goal where all three players who assisted and scored had the first name “Nick” (Nicolas Roy, Nick Cousins, and Nick Holden).
- He brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Amos, Quebec, for a day of celebration.
- His cat, Pedigree, had its picture taken inside the Stanley Cup.
Controversies
There have been no major controversies associated with Nicolas Roy’s career. His refusal to report to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles after the 2013 QMJHL draft was a decision based on his desire to pursue his education in his home province and is widely seen as a personal choice rather than a contentious issue.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Nicolas Roy
Nicolas Roy has carved out an impressive career in the highly competitive world of professional hockey. From his dominant junior career in the QMJHL to becoming a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights, he has consistently demonstrated his skill, versatility, and commitment to the game. His recent trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs marks a new and exciting phase of his career, where he is expected to be a key contributor. Off the ice, he is a family-oriented individual who has recently celebrated his marriage to his long-time partner. With several years remaining on his current contract, Nicolas Roy’s future in the NHL looks bright, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a player to watch for years to come.
