Nicolas Roy Surprises Maple Leafs Fans With Confession They Never Saw Coming

Nicolas Roy made a surprise comment that took many off guard when he revealed a surprise fact about himself that was completely unexpected of him.

The Quebec native admitted that growing up, he was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The traditional Quebecois tradition of being a fan of the Montreal Canadiens has loosened, gone are the days of 'The Hockey Sweater' where being anything than a Habs fan is sacrilege, much less a fan of Toronto.

Not only is the rivalry steeped in a near-century long tradition, but in it's early days was steeped in nationalism between the Francophone Canadiens and the Anglophone Maple Leafs, today blurring loyalties with the game's expansion, turning fan loyalty in strange places.

Roy said he grew up idolizing Mats Sundin, but became a Habs fan when Sundin left the Leafs and signed with the Vancouver Canucks.

Nicolas Roy being a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs showcases not just his willingness to win in Toronto, but that he has personal ties to the organization.

Some fans may point to the fact that Mitch Marner, who Roy was traded for, was a childhood Leafs fan who struggled with the difficulties that come from playing in Toronto such as a more active media spotlight and fan pressure, but Roy has shown he can handle himself well.

Roy has said that he can handle pressure, and isn't fazed by the obvious extra intensity that comes with playing in Toronto, ready to phase out the noise and get to winning.

Leafs fans will be pleased by Roy's maturity, something that in past years has been able to carry over on the ice and should be able to translate to playing in Toronto.

Nicolas Roy should be able to add a physical edge at center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, usually played down the middle but can also play on the wing.

There is a good chance that Roy is the 3C for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, as well as a potential penalty killer who plays a defensively responsible style.

Roy has done well when he has offensive talent beside him as he can focus on his defensive responsibilities while his linemates lead the rush on offense.

The Toronto Maple Leafs get a player they've been looking for in Nicolas Roy as someone who plays a physically challenging game and can add a winning mentality to the Leafs roster.