Hey, if you’re a hockey fan checking out Nicolas Roy, this guy’s story is pretty cool—he’s that big, skilled center who grinded his way from junior leagues in Quebec to Stanley Cup glory and now suits up for the Toronto Maple Leafs. At 6’4″ with a knack for playoffs, he’s got the size and smarts that make him a reliable middle-six guy in the NHL as of 2026. Let’s dive into everything about him without the boring stuff.
Nicolas Roy’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Nicolas Roy |
| Nickname | Nico, The Swiss Army Knife |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Amos, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6’4″ (193 cm) |
| Weight | 200-202 lbs (91-92 kg) |
| Turned Professional | 2015 |
| Current Net Worth | Approximately $5-8 million USD |
| Annual Salary | $3 million CAD |
| Spouse | Laurie Pepin |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @nicoroy55 |
Early Career
Roy’s path to the NHL wasn’t exactly a straight shot. Born in Amos, Quebec, he played minor hockey with the Amos Forestiers before catching the attention of scouts at a higher level. The turning point came when he was drafted first overall by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the 2013 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Entry Draft.
However, Roy and his family made a bold decision—they refused to play for Cape Breton unless his rights were traded to a Quebec-based team. This stand on principle led to his trade to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, where he flourished during his junior career from 2013 to 2017.
Professional Career
Roy’s professional journey began when he was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 4th round (96th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft. His early years saw him bouncing between the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers and the NHL, as he worked to develop his game and earn consistent playing time. The breakthrough moment came in 2019 when he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
In Vegas, Roy found his niche as a reliable centre who could play anywhere in the lineup—second line, third line, fourth line, or wing. His versatility became his superpower. His best season came in 2023-24 when he posted 41 points in 70 games. But his crowning achievement was winning the Stanley Cup in 2023, just his fourth season with Vegas, where he scored crucial playoff goals and demonstrated the kind of championship resilience that separates good players from great ones. After six seasons with the Golden Knights, Roy was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in June 2025 as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Mitch Marner.
Wife
Roy is married to his long-time partner, Laurie Pepin, whom he wed on July 19, 2025, at Manoir Montpellier in Quebec. The couple had been together for over a decade before tying the knot—they celebrated their 10th anniversary in March 2023. Roy proposed to Laurie in November 2023, just months after winning the Stanley Cup. The couple’s wedding was an intimate affair held by a lake, surrounded by close family and friends, reflecting Roy’s private, grounded personality.
While they attended various charity events together and traveled to places like Amsterdam, the couple has kept their personal life relatively low-key, focusing on their relationship rather than seeking the spotlight. There are no public reports of Roy and Laurie having any children, though both appear to be enjoying their early married life together.
Nicolas Roy’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Nicolas Roy’s estimated net worth ranges between $5 to $8 million USD. The majority of this wealth comes from his professional hockey contracts, particularly his current five-year, $15 million deal signed with Vegas in August 2022 (carrying an annual cap hit of $3 million). With his current contract expiring at the end of the 2026-27 season, Roy will become an unrestricted free agent, which could significantly impact his earning potential depending on his performance and the market. Beyond his base salary, Roy has built wealth through playoff bonuses, performance incentives, and likely some modest endorsement opportunities, though he hasn’t pursued major sponsorship deals the way some higher-profile players do.
Prize Money
| Achievement/Season | Details | Earnings |
| Stanley Cup Championship 2023 | Vegas Golden Knights | Winners’ share (~$3.5M split among team) |
| 2021-22 Season Base Salary | Vegas Golden Knights | $750,000 |
| 2022-23 Season Base Salary | Vegas Golden Knights | $3,500,000 |
| 2023-24 Season Base Salary | Vegas Golden Knights | $3,500,000 |
| 2024-25 Season Base Salary | Vegas Golden Knights | $3,000,000 |
| 2025-26 Season Base Salary | Toronto Maple Leafs | $2,500,000 |
| Career Playoff Bonuses | 79 playoff games | Approximately $500,000+ |
| International Play (Canada) | World Juniors, U18 Championships | Government bonuses (~$50,000 combined) |
| Total Career Earnings (NHL) | Through 2025-26 | Approximately $12.2 million |
Endorsements
While Nicolas Roy maintains a presence on social media and is active in his community, he does not have major endorsement deals with national or international brands. His approach to sponsorships appears selective:
- Local Community Focus: Roy’s sponsorship activities are primarily centered around his hometown of Amos, Quebec, where he hosts the annual “Classique Lauzon-Roy” hockey tournament to raise funds for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue athlete fund and local charities like La Maison du Bouleau Blanc.
- Equipment Sponsorship: Like most NHL players, Roy uses branded hockey equipment from major manufacturers, though specific exclusive deals are not publicly disclosed.
- Social Media Presence: With over 15,000 followers on Instagram (@nicoroy55), Roy occasionally shares glimpses of his personal life, family moments, and charitable endeavors, which could attract modest endorsement opportunities with local Quebec-based businesses.
- Charitable Work: Roy appears more interested in using his platform for charitable causes rather than commercial endorsements, which aligns with his reputation as a grounded, community-oriented individual.
The lack of major endorsement deals doesn’t diminish Roy’s marketability—rather, it reflects his professional focus on hockey performance and his preference for privacy off the ice.
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details | Season/Context |
| Career NHL Games | 371 games played | Through 2025-26 |
| Career Goals | 69 goals | 371 games (0.19 goals per game) |
| Career Assists | 99 assists | 371 games (0.27 assists per game) |
| Career Points | 168 points | 371 games |
| Playoff Games | 79 playoff appearances | Vegas/Toronto tenure |
| Stanley Cup Victories | 1 championship (2023) | Vegas Golden Knights |
| Best Regular Season | 41 points in 70 games | 2023-24 season |
| Best Playoff Performance | 11 points in 22 games | 2022-23 Stanley Cup run |
| Face-off Win Percentage | 49.9% career | 868 playoff face-offs taken |
| Playoff Goals | 10 goals in 79 games | Career playoff record |
FAQs
1. What is Nicolas Roy’s playing style, and what makes him effective in the NHL?
Nicolas Roy is a power forward who relies on his large frame (6’4″), hockey IQ, and two-way reliability rather than flashy offensive skills. He excels at winning face-offs, playing strong defense, finishing checks, and finding open ice for teammates. His cerebral understanding of the game allows him to be effective in multiple positions and situations. Rather than being a high-volume scorer, Roy is the kind of player who makes his team better through his versatility, penalty-killing prowess, and ability to match up against opposing top lines. In playoff hockey, these qualities become even more valuable.
2. Why did Nicolas Roy refuse to sign with Cape Breton Screaming Eagles?
Roy and his family made a strategic decision to remain in Quebec, which was closer to home (Amos). Rather than play in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, they negotiated a trade to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, a Quebec-based QMJHL team. This decision paid off, as Roy had a prolific four-year junior career in Chicoutimi, developing his skills and earning increased attention from NHL scouts. The trade required Cape Breton to part with multiple picks, including a first-rounder that was later used to select future NHLer Pierre-Luc Dubois.
3. What was Nicolas Roy’s role in Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup victory?
Roy contributed 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 22 playoff games during Vegas’ Stanley Cup run. He was part of the team’s bottom-six forward group but played a crucial role in penalty killing and defensive responsibility. Notably, he scored a goal in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against Florida, helping the Golden Knights secure their first championship in franchise history. After winning the Cup, Roy was the first player to take it home, hosting it in his hometown of Amos, Quebec.
4. How did Nicolas Roy’s game evolve from his early Carolina days to becoming a key Vegas contributor?
Roy struggled initially in Carolina, appearing in only 7 games without registering a point. The trade to Vegas in 2019 was a turning point. In Vegas, Roy had more opportunity and thrived under a clear role—he would play in any situation needed and on any line. His ice time increased gradually, from 11:26 per game in 2019-20 to 16:18 in 2022-23. This increase in opportunity, combined with improved strength training and skating, allowed Roy to develop from a fringe player to a dependable NHL contributor. By 2021-22, he had his first 40-point season, proving he could produce offensively when given consistent minutes.
5. What does his marriage to Laurie Pepin mean for his future in Toronto?
Roy’s marriage to Laurie in July 2025 provides personal stability as he enters a new chapter with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The couple’s 10+ year relationship demonstrates commitment and maturity. For Roy, having a stable home life in Toronto (where he now resides) while continuing his NHL career is important. Laurie appears supportive of his career, having followed him through his Vegas years and now to Toronto. Their relationship doesn’t significantly impact his on-ice performance, but it does reflect the kind of grounded, family-focused mentality that has contributed to Roy’s professional success and reputation as a reliable teammate.
6. How does Roy’s $3 million salary compare to other NHL centers?
Roy’s $3 million annual salary places him in the lower-to-middle tier of NHL centers. Elite franchise centers earn $10-15 million per year, while third-line and bottom-six centers typically earn $1-4 million annually. Roy’s salary is fair market value for a dependable, versatile center who doesn’t put up offensive fireworks but is reliable defensively. His contract is considered team-friendly—he provides significant value for the cap hit, which is one reason the Maple Leafs were willing to trade for him in 2025.
7. What was the significance of Roy being the first to take the Stanley Cup in 2023?
This honor reflects Roy’s role in Vegas’ championship and his status as a respected teammate. The Cup’s first recipient is traditionally someone the team values highly. Roy brought the Cup to his hometown of Amos, Quebec, where it was featured in a small parade and displayed at his former youth hockey team, the Amos Forestiers. This moment symbolized that even role players and depth contributors are crucial to championship teams—it wasn’t the “star” receiving the Cup first, but rather a grinder who earned the privilege through hard work and professionalism.
8. How has Roy’s game adapted as he’s moved to Toronto?
In his first season with Toronto (2025-26), Roy has logged 46 games with 4 goals, 14 assists, and 18 points. His scoring pace is slower than his Vegas years, which reflects the difference in lineup roles and ice time. Toronto has more depth at center with other options, so Roy’s role may be more specialized—likely in the third or fourth line with penalty-killing duties. However, his ability to play multiple positions means he could move up the lineup if needed due to injuries or performance changes. His face-off ability (54% in 2025-26) remains a valuable asset.
9. What international hockey has Roy played in, and what did he accomplish?
Roy represented Canada at multiple international tournaments, including the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (winning gold), the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships, and the 2017 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (winning silver). He compiled 24 points in 25 international games. These experiences helped develop his hockey sense and exposed him to elite competition from around the world, preparing him for his NHL career.
10. What’s next for Nicolas Roy in his career, and can he help Toronto win?
Roy’s contract expires after the 2026-27 season, making him a potential unrestricted free agent after next year. For the Maple Leafs, Roy represents the kind of depth, defensive responsibility, and playoff-tested experience that deep playoff runs require. Toronto acquired him to bolster their bottom-six depth and add a Stanley Cup winner to their locker room. If Roy produces as expected (25-35 points) and Toronto makes a playoff run, he could become a valuable piece in their quest for a championship. Beyond Toronto, Roy has likely entered the second-to-final chapter of his career, where his value lies in team success rather than individual scoring records. His focus will likely be on helping Toronto break through playoff barriers rather than chasing personal statistics.