Eagles To Pick Roy With Top Pick

The Cape Breton Post reports today that the Screaming Eagles will select Nicolas Roy with the first overall pick in Saturday’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft.

Head coach and general manager Marc-Andre had this to say in the CB Post:

“Our choice is Nicolas Roy. He’s by far the best player available,” said Dumont. “He’s a franchise player. He’s got Mario Lemieux’s poise with the puck. He’s not a Mario Lemieux, but he has that poise. He’s a team player. He’s a very good person. We spent two hours at his home in Amos, Que., with his parents, sitting down at their house. We spent two hours talking about our program and our objectives. They’re a level family, have good values. He’s a character kid. 

“There’s a huge difference between No. 1 and No. 2, so we’ll be going with him. He’s our pick.”

Roy played for the Amos Forestiers of the Quebec midget ‘AAA’ league this past season. He’s the top ranked prospect by most draft guides and rankings, including QMJHL Central Scouting and International Scouting Services. Hockey Prospect lists him second behind American defenseman Noah Hanifin.

It was reported yesterday that Roy is still considering playing in the United States, so it’s not impossible that this may turn into a Nathan MacKinnon/Baie-Comeau situation. But we will see what happens.

With the Eagles taking Roy, that leaves the top ranked Atlantic Canadian at this year’s draft, Newfoundlander Nathan Noel, more than likely available for the Saint John Sea Dogs at No. 3. Will they select him? We’re not sure, but it would be a great ending to #NathanNoelWatch.