Career Timeline of Patrick Roy: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Patrick Roy, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Patrick Roy is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, currently head coach for the New York Islanders. Renowned as "king of goaltenders" and named one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players, he played for the Montreal Canadiens (11 years) and Colorado Avalanche (8 years), earning the nickname "Saint Patrick". Roy won four Stanley Cups, two with each team, solidifying his legacy as an iconic goaltender in NHL history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1984: Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens

In 1984, Patrick Roy was drafted in the third round, 51st overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL entry draft.

February 23, 1985: NHL Debut

On February 23, 1985, Patrick Roy made his NHL debut, replacing Doug Soetaert in the third period, earning his first NHL win without allowing a goal.

1986: Roy Wins Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1986, Patrick Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as NHL playoff MVP.

1987: Roy Wins Jennings Trophy

In 1987, Patrick Roy won the Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed).

1988: Roy Wins Jennings Trophy

In 1988, Patrick Roy won the Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed).

1989: Roy Wins Vezina Trophy

In 1989, Patrick Roy won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender.

1990: Roy Wins Vezina Trophy

In 1990, Patrick Roy won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender.

1992: Roy Wins Vezina Trophy

In 1992, Patrick Roy won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender.

1993: Won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1993, Patrick Roy led the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup championship and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

1993: Roy Wins Conn Smythe Trophy

In 1993, Patrick Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as NHL playoff MVP.

1995: Helped Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup

In the 1995-96 season, after being traded from the Canadiens mid-season, Patrick Roy helped the Colorado Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup after moving from Quebec.

1996: Avs eliminate Detroit

In the 1995-96 season's 1996 conference finals, Roy helped his new team eliminate first-place Detroit.

1999: Avalanche Won against Red Wings in playoffs

In 1999, The Avalanche won against Red Wings in playoffs.

2000: Avalanche Won against Red Wings in playoffs

In 2000, The Avalanche won against Red Wings in playoffs.

2001: Roy Wins Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2001, Patrick Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as NHL playoff MVP.

2002: Roy Wins Jennings Trophy

In 2002, Patrick Roy won the Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed).

October 28, 2003: Avalanche Retire Roy's Jersey

On October 28, 2003, the Colorado Avalanche retired Patrick Roy's number 33 jersey.

September 29, 2005: Named Head Coach of the Quebec Remparts

On September 29, 2005, after retiring from the NHL, Patrick Roy was named head coach of the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, also serving as vice-president of hockey operations, owner, and general manager.

May 28, 2006: Remparts Win 2006 Memorial Cup

On May 28, 2006, Patrick Roy's Remparts team won the 2006 Memorial Cup, defeating the Moncton Wildcats 6-2 in the finals. Roy became the seventh coach to win the Cup in his rookie year.

January 21, 2007: Roy Addresses Media, Considers Resignation

On January 21, 2007, following a Remparts game, Roy addressed the media stating he was suffering prejudice regarding the January 19 incident. He questioned his future as head coach and co-owner of the team, even considering resigning from his duties.

January 25, 2007: Complaint Dropped, Roy Stays with Remparts

On January 25, 2007, Pierre Cardinal withdrew his complaint against Roy. Roy then announced he would remain coach and co-owner of the Remparts.

November 22, 2008: Canadiens Retire Roy's Jersey

On November 22, 2008, the Montreal Canadiens retired Patrick Roy's number 33 jersey, making him the sixth NHL player to have his number retired by two organizations.

May 2009: Roy Declines Avalanche Coaching Position

In May 2009, Patrick Roy was offered the head coaching position with the Colorado Avalanche, but turned it down.

September 2012: Roy Joins l'Antichambre

In September 2012, Patrick Roy became a permanent member of the French–Canadian hockey talk show l'Antichambre as a hockey analyst, reuniting with his former coach, Mario Tremblay.

May 23, 2013: Roy Named Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations for Avalanche

On May 23, 2013, Patrick Roy was named head coach and vice-president of hockey operations of the Colorado Avalanche, gaining final say in all hockey matters.

October 2, 2013: Roy's Coaching Debut with Avalanche

On October 2, 2013, Patrick Roy's first regular season game as coach of the Colorado Avalanche was a 6–1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. During the game, Roy had a shouting match with Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau.

2013: Avalanche Have Successful 2013-14 Season

During the 2013-14 season, Roy led the Colorado Avalanche to 112 points, winning the Central Division title and tying a franchise record with 52 wins. He would later win the Jack Adams Award for the NHL's top coach.

2014: Roy's Goaltender Strategy in 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs

During the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs, Roy became known for aggressively pulling goaltender Semyon Varlamov to set up a 6-on-5, empty-net scenario. The Avalanche lost in the first round to the Minnesota Wild.

August 11, 2016: Roy Resigns as Avalanche Head Coach

On August 11, 2016, Patrick Roy stepped down as the head coach and vice-president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche, citing a lack of input in personnel decisions.

January 2024: Joins Islanders as Head Coach

In January 2024, Patrick Roy joined the New York Islanders of the NHL as head coach.

January 2024: Roy Invests in Boxers de Bordeaux

In January 2024, Patrick Roy, in partnership with Jean Bédard and Jacques Tanguay, purchased a minority stake in Boxers de Bordeaux, a professional hockey team in the French Ligue Magnus.