While Mitch Marner's emotional return to Toronto dominated headlines, another significant hockey reunion took place under the bright lights of Las Vegas on Thursday night. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nicolas Roy stepped back into T-Mobile Arena, his home for five-and-a-half seasons, this time wearing the blue and white of the visiting team.
A Weird Feeling in Familiar Surroundings
Nicolas Roy admitted it felt "weird" to be back in the building where he became a Stanley Cup champion, now occupying the visitors' locker room. Acquired by the Leafs in the summer as part of the sign-and-trade deal that sent Mitch Marner out of Toronto, Roy was back on familiar ice for a morning skate on January 15, 2026. "I'm excited, just looking around the building, seeing familiar faces," Roy told gathered media, acknowledging the oddity of the situation while looking forward to the challenge of playing against old friends.
Finding His Role in the Maple Leafs Lineup
The transition to a new team and a hockey-mad market like Toronto required an adjustment period for the 6-foot-4 centre. Roy acknowledged that it took him roughly 10 to 15 games to find his role and comfort level with the Leafs. While he isn't the 100-point superstar like Mikko Rantanen—a player linked to Toronto in earlier trade talks—Roy has carved out a valuable niche. Past the midway point of the NHL schedule, he has solidified his place on a line between young talents Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson, contributing even when not on special teams.
His teammates have taken notice of his growing impact. Captain John Tavares praised Roy for fitting "into the room really well," highlighting his big-body presence and puck-handling ability. Roy has also become a key piece in Toronto's league-leading faceoff record, adding a crucial dimension to their game.
Legacy in Vegas and Adjusting to Marner's Absence
Roy's legacy in Vegas is cemented by his contribution to the franchise's 2023 Stanley Cup championship, where he posted 11 points in 22 playoff games. Known as a reliable bottom-six forward who typically scores between 30 and 40 points a season, he brought a winning pedigree to Toronto.
His arrival was part of a larger roster shift following Marner's departure after eight seasons. Defenceman Morgan Rielly acknowledged the adjustment period for the team. "Whenever you lose a guy who plays in all situations like (Marner), there's usually an adjustment period," Rielly stated. He credited other players, like Max Domi, Nick Robertson, and Easton Cowan, with stepping into bigger roles to help fill the void.
As the Leafs continue their season, the integration of players like Nicolas Roy, who bring both size and playoff experience, will be vital to their success. His return to Vegas served as a reminder of his championship past and his evolving present with a new team in Toronto.
