Patrick Roy imposes his law on Long Island.
The coach sent a merciless message to his players, and Pierre Engvall paid the price. Not only did Roy remind Anthony Duclair of the importance of defensive efforts and following instructions, but he also made a strong decision by placing Pierre Engvall on waivers.
Engvall, who signed a seven-year contract worth $3 million per season, saw his Islanders roster position threatened after a failed training camp
The Quebec coach was scathing when asked to comment on Engvall’s performance.
Roy immediately threw his attacker under the bus, saying he could “do better” and that adjustments were necessary.
Immediately afterwards, he was placed on waivers.
His -5 differential in just a few games has sunk him.
With this waiver, Roy sends a powerful message to the entire team: total commitment is non-negotiable.
Duclair, for his part, had a discussion with Roy which was more aimed at ensuring that the former Panther was well aligned with the team’s expectations, particularly in terms of defensive withdrawal and constant effort on the ice. .
Roy admits that Duclar is not the most consistent defensively, and he needs to wake up in this aspect.
“We want to be a team that excels in defensive withdrawal.”
“We want to make sure our players skate to the bench quickly, and those aspects are non-negotiable.”
For Engvall, his world is falling apart. He who thought he would be safe with his 7-year contract must now face uncertainty.
With Maxim Tsyplakov and other young players having impressed Roy, Engvall saw his place in jeopardy.
General manager Lou Lamoriello explained that it wasn’t a matter of poor performance, but simply that Engvall lost his spot in the face of intense competition.
What a bad contract from Lamoriello.
Patrick Roy, true to his reputation, does not tolerate any slacking and expects his players to give 110%, regardless of the salary.
Engvall, who has shown signs of inconsistency throughout his career, now has to prove he can play in the NHL.
But who will want this horrible contract?
This is what happens when you want to sign plumbers for too long…and too expensive…
Engvall can’t believe his eyes.
“Of course you don’t want goals scored against you. You want to score goals and be on the positive side.”
“Obviously it’s not pleasant. After only two games it’s hard to say. You have to play a lot of games, and I think at the end that’s where you can see where your plus/minus. And I think if you look at my seasons, I’ve always been on the positive side.”
“Of course you want to play every game, but I had a good training and a good weight training session. So I’m ready for the next one no matter where.” affirms Pierre Engvall, as if to send a message to his coach.
“I think everyone is fighting to be in the lineup. And I think for some players their position is more certain, but since day one I’ve just been trying to do my best. “
An arrow towards Patrick Roy for having favorites and scapegoats? It gets hot.
One thing is certain: Roy didn’t care much about his 3 million per year guaranteed spread over 6 more years.
$18 million on waivers. Patrick Roy as merciless as ever.
