The work he currently does with the Quebec Remparts has resulted in Patrick Roy getting “several clubs interested” in the NHL, according to ESPN network whistleblower Kevin Weekes.
“As the coaching carousel begins to turn, Patrick Roy is attracting interest from several clubs while his Quebec Remparts are one win away from the QMJHL Championship and a seat in the Memorial Cup,” at- wrote on his Twitter account on Wednesday Evening.
This isn’t the first time Weekes has mentioned Roy’s name to fill one of the vacant coaching positions at the Bettman circuit. Hours after announcing Gerard Gallant’s departure from the New York Rangers, Weekes posted a photo of Roy alongside New York City’s.
Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman also recently linked Roy’s name to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have been without a head coach since Brad Larsen was fired a month ago.
“I think he’s dying to get another chance,” he said on his podcast 32 Thoughts.
Focus on the city wall
However, it is apparent that Roy’s head is not currently hanging in the NHL, although he has often expressed a desire to return there one day. His Remparts are one win away from winning the first Gilles Courteau (formerly President’s Cup) trophy since 1976. Their 2-1 win in Halifax on Wednesday night gave them a 3-1 lead in the finals series.
Before the start of the finals, he was also asked about the rumors of his return to the NHL.
“If my name gets around, it’s not a good sign. That means I don’t have much of a chance of getting a job,” he said wryly.
“If they want to call me, they have my phone number and will find a way to reach me. I didn’t focus on that.”
Often in rumours
It’s not the first time Roy’s name has been in the news since he left the Colorado Avalanche in 2016.
But it wasn’t just rumours. In 2019, he was one of the candidates for the Ottawa Senators head coaching position before being crowned in goal by DJ Smith. Then, in 2022, he also became acquainted with the Montreal Canadiens organization when it came to hiring a replacement for Marc Bergevin as the team’s general manager, which eventually led to the hiring of Kent Hughes.
He also hooked up with agent Neil Glasberg in April 2021 before finally splitting in December of the same year, just before his interview with the Canadian.
“I thought about it in December before I met the Canadian. Hiring an agent is a personal decision. I didn’t feel the need to have an agent at the time, but that doesn’t change my future intentions,” he told the Journal.