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, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current coach for the New York Islanders, is celebrated as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. Known as "Saint Patrick," he played for both the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, winning four Stanley Cups – two with each team. Roy was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1984: Drafted by Montreal Canadiens

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

February 23, 1985: NHL Debut and First Win

On February 23, 1985, Roy made his NHL debut, replacing Doug Soetaert in the third period, earning his first NHL win.

1986: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

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

1987: Jennings Trophy Winner

In 1987, Patrick Roy won the Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed), sharing with Brian Hayward.

1988: Jennings Trophy Winner

In 1988, Patrick Roy won the Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed), sharing with Brian Hayward.

1989: Vezina Trophy Winner

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

1990: Vezina Trophy Winner

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

1992: Vezina Trophy Winner

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

1993: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

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

1993: Won Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy

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

December 1995: Montreal loss to Detroit

In December 1995, Montreal loss to Detroit that precipitated Roy's midseason trade to Colorado.

1995: Stanley Cup with Avalanche

In 1995, after his mid-season trade from the Canadiens, Roy helped the Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup in their first season after moving from Quebec.

1996: Eliminated Detroit

In 1996 conference finals Roy helped his new team eliminate first-place Detroit.

1998: 1998 Winter Olympics

In 1998, Patrick Roy was the starting goaltender for Canada at the Winter Olympics in Nagano. Canada, a favorite to win, was eliminated in the semifinal by the Czech Republic in a shootout after a 1-1 tie. Canada then lost the bronze medal game to Finland 3-2. Roy finished the tournament with a 4-2 record, a 1.46 goals-against average, a .935 save percentage and one shutout.

1999: Avs winning playoffs

In 1999, the Avs winning playoffs.

2000: Avs winning playoffs

In 2000, the Avs winning playoffs.

2001: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

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

2002: Declined 2002 Winter Olympics Opportunity

In 2002, Patrick Roy declined the opportunity to play for Canada at the Winter Olympics prior to the team being selected.

2002: Jennings Trophy Winner

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

October 28, 2003: Avalanche Retired 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 joined the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL as vice-president of hockey operations, owner, and general manager. He was also named head coach of the team.

May 28, 2006: Remparts Win the 2006 Memorial Cup

On May 28, 2006, Patrick Roy's Quebec Remparts won the 2006 Memorial Cup, beating the Moncton Wildcats 6–2 in the finals. Roy became the seventh coach to win the Cup in his rookie year, and the first since 1997.

2006: Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2006, Patrick Roy was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

November 22, 2008: Canadiens Retired Roy's Jersey

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

May 2009: Offer from Colorado Avalanche

In May 2009, Patrick Roy was offered the head coaching position with the Colorado Avalanche but turned it down, expressing the possibility of coaching in the NHL in the future.

September 2012: Joins French-Canadian Hockey Talk Show

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: Named Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations of the Colorado Avalanche

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

October 2, 2013: First Game as Avalanche Coach

On October 2, 2013, in his first regular season game as coach, Patrick Roy led the Colorado Avalanche to a 6–1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, and was involved in a shouting match with coach Bruce Boudreau. Roy tied Mario Tremblay for the most consecutive wins at the beginning of an NHL coaching career.

2013: Jack Adams Award Winner

In the 2013-14 season, Patrick Roy coached the Colorado Avalanche to 112 points, winning the Central Division title and tying a franchise record with 52 wins. He subsequently won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach.

2014: Stanley Cup Playoffs and Coaching Strategy

During the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs, Patrick Roy became known for aggressively pulling his goaltender to set up empty-net scenarios. The Avalanche lost in the first round to the Minnesota Wild. The following season, the team finished last in their division.

2014: Joe Sakic Formally Granted Title of General Manager

In 2014, Joe Sakic was formally granted the title of general manager for the Avalanche. However, Roy and Sakic still shared most of the duties normally held by a general manager in the NHL.

August 11, 2016: Resigned as Head Coach of the Avalanche

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: Purchased Stake in Boxers de Bordeaux

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