Patrick Roy does not do things by half measures, and young Quebec defender Samuel Bolduc is living proof.
After a humiliating 5-2 loss to the Rangers, Roy didn’t hesitate to point the finger at Bolduc, publicly accusing him of being “bad/very bad” and reducing his ice time to just over five minutes .
This ruthless decision is not insignificant: it shows the tension that exists between the two Quebec men, a tension which began from the first training and which has only worsened since.
“He was bad. Really bad. If he wants to play with us, he will have to stop being so bad,” Roy said bluntly after the match, a scathing statement which suggests the full extent of his impatience with the young defender.
For Bolduc, it is not only a humiliation; it’s a real blow. The young prospect, once seen as a top prospect for the Islanders, is now caught in the royal storm, a veritable whirlwind of public criticism and accusations from Roy.
Patrick Roy is recognized for his demanding management style, sometimes harsh bordering on ruthless.
While this approach has proven successful with some players, for others it can be devastating. In Bolduc’s case, the method seems to break him rather than motivate him.
From the first training sessions, Roy did not hesitate to argue with him in front of his teammates, using harsh words, in French, very personal, which only increased the pressure on the young defender.
Bolduc, who is struggling to find his place in the NHL, is now in a situation where every mistake is magnified, every misstep scrutinized and judged.
This tense relationship between Roy and Bolduc attracted the attention of the media, who began to see Bolduc as the team’s scapegoat, the one on whom Roy poured out his displeasure whenever the results did not follow.
He is the Arber Xhekaj of Patrick Roy.
The problem is that this constant pressure eats away at Bolduc’s confidence, a crucial aspect for any developing player.
Roy’s merciless criticism isn’t limited to ice cream. Outside of games, Bolduc has become the subject of heated discussions in the locker room, with some teammates wondering who will be next to face Roy’s wrath if they don’t perform.
This heavy atmosphere left Bolduc isolated. The situation is reaching a point where the young defenseman could even consider leaving the Islanders to relaunch elsewhere, far from the imposing shadow of Roy.
Moreover, rumors of transactions are starting to circulate. According to sources close to the organization, several NHL teams are closely monitoring Bolduc’s situation, ready to intervene if the Islanders decide to part ways with him.
Patrick Roy, true to his reputation, brought his fiery temperament back to New York. For him, there are no half measures: he demands excellence and is merciless towards those he considers insufficient.
If this direct approach can galvanize certain players, for others like Bolduc, it becomes destructive.
Roy chose Bolduc as an example, a figure on whom he can vent his frustrations in hopes of sending a message to the rest of the team.
Arber Xhekaj must have shivers down his spine hearing this story.
This callous treatment of Bolduc could well have negative repercussions, not only for the defender, but for the entire team.
Some young Islanders players are starting to wonder if they too could be publicly sacrificed, which does nothing to help build trust within the group.
The relationship between Roy and Bolduc is now so tense that we wonder how much longer the young defender will be able to endure this situation.
For Roy, Bolduc seemingly embodies all the weaknesses of the Islanders’ defensive lineup, but this insistence on making him an example could well accelerate his departure from the team.
If the Islanders decide to place Bolduc on waivers or give him up in a trade, it would undoubtedly be a relief for the young man, who could thus bounce back in a less toxic environment.
For now, Patrick Roy continues to throw his scapegoat under the bus, convinced that his method is the right one.
But if this strategy leads to the collapse of the confidence of young talents like Bolduc, the price could be high, both for the development of the team and for Roy’s reputation.
The scene currently unfolding between Roy and Bolduc is a stark reminder of the risks of an authoritarian approach, where the coach’s arrogance could ultimately harm more than help.
Talk to Martin St-Louis…and Arber Xhekaj…
Bolduc, for his part, has only one option: prove that he can weather this storm, or hope that his career will continue elsewhere, far from the scathing criticism of Patrick Roy.
We wonder if he will leave Long Island…before Arber Xhekaj from Montreal…
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