Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The rumour involving Patrick Roy has unfortunately just been confirmed by two excellent sources, a few weeks after his surprising firing.
And along the same lines, we are also unfortunately learning that the former number 33 goaltender took it extremely hard on a personal level.
“Patrick Roy was shaken: he is struggling to recover from his firing.”
Patrick Roy is struggling to recover from his firing and will apparently not be present to carry the torch at the Bell Centre
With only four games remaining in the team’s season, the Isles decided to bring in Pete DeBoer behind the bench.
But that did not allow the club to reach the NHL playoffs.
Since then, there has been very little public news about Roy.
His name had circulated somewhat regarding various head coaching openings available in the NHL. But nothing concrete had officially been announced.
Ray Cloutier, who received news about the Quebec native through an intermediary, shared details on Énergie 98.9.
And what we understand is that Roy was seriously shaken by his firing.
He is clearly having a difficult time recovering from it at the moment.
The clip from the Énergie broadcast is also available on social media.
“He’s having a hard time recovering. He was shaken. He didn’t expect it…
Also, it wasn’t Darche, it was higher up than that… Can we see Pat back in the National League? Well, that’s my question… There aren’t going to be any jobs available. Yes, the jobs are already open. Patrick Roy’s competitive side will always make me answer yes to your question, Denis, but right now, they’re really going to have to push the right buttons. It’s certain that probably the Leafs or the Oilers could look into him.”
– Ray Cloutier
The firing came at an extremely unexpected moment, and while everyone agreed that he was doing an excellent job.
His club was right in the middle of the NHL playoff race.
He had still exceeded expectations throughout the regular season.
But he still lost his job at a crucial moment.
It is the kind of scenario that can haunt a coaching career for a long time.
Now it remains to be seen how Patrick Roy will eventually bounce back in the hockey world. And whether the legend will ultimately get another opportunity to return to the NHL to demonstrate his exceptional qualities as a head coach.
The wait continues for fans in that regard.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Patrick Roy reportedly struggling after Islanders firing as surprising new details emerge
Do you think Patrick Roy deserves another opportunity as an NHL head coach after his difficult firing by the New York Islanders?