After working with Patrick Roy during his two stints in Colorado as the Avalanche's goaltender and head coach, Jean Martineau believes Roy is the man for the Islanders job.
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Martineau was already responsible for the team's communications before moving from Quebec to Denver. Few hockey players have been so closely associated with Roy, first from 1995 to 2003 as a player and from 2013 to 2016, when he returned to lead the team.
“I'm really happy for him. When someone like him comes along, he deserves a lot of respect. For the players, Patrick is a monument,” said Martineau, who worked with Roy to manage media relations.
For someone who now holds a communications consultant position with the Avalanche, Roy will immediately establish himself among the Islanders.
“Patrick inherits a very mature and experienced club, but one that needs a bit of power. We see in their game that they lack emotion, even though they are really in contention in this division. Patrick's arrival will give players a unique presence. He commands a lot of respect.”
Jean Martineau worked alongside Patrick Roy for the Avalanche for a long time. QMI Agency
Old stories
Martineau apparently suspected that the question would arise again after Roy's surprise departure in August 2016.
Many believe that by leaving the Avalanche a few weeks before training camp, he imposed a long purgatory on himself before he could get back into the good graces of NHL decision-makers.
“We have already talked about this story at length and there is not much to add. He saw no possibility that the club would improve in the short term and made his decision.
“Seven, eight years later, we got to the point where one of the best general managers in NHL history decided to give him a second chance. I think it's fantastic for him. “In a high-profile market like New York, it will be very special,” Martineau said.
Patrick Roy will look to bring the same fire behind the Islanders' bench as he did when he led the Avalanche. AFP
False impressions
It's fair to wonder whether a daredevil like Roy would fit well with old-school general manager Lou Lamoriello. Martineau sees no problem here either.
“He's already had his beard trimmed, so Lou will be fine,” he initially joked.
“It is absolutely not difficult to work with Patrick. He is very dynamic and brings passion to his daily work. There aren't 25,000 Patrick Roys. He will be uncompromising with his group of players and demand a lot, but they will respond in the right way. “It took someone to administer an electric shock, and there is no better person than him,” he argued.
In the last few hours, the publicist has been in contact with goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov, who enjoyed his best career moments under Roy's reign and is currently on the Islanders' injured list.
“We exchanged text messages and Varly is very excited. “It will have an emotional impact on the players very quickly,” he said.
Martineau's only regret is that the Avalanche have already played their two games against the Islanders this season.
“Ah…you never know!” he said, alluding to a Stanley Cup Final that would be a big deal.