Nicolas Roy feels like he fits right in on tougher, more physical Leafs roster at training camp

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, this summer has been about DNA change, looking to get bigger, stronger, and more physical. One key addition in that respect was Nicolas Roy, picked up from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade.

The Quebec native has been in the blue and white sweater this week at training camp, gearing up for his Toronto debut. Speaking to media on Friday, he shared he’s already feeling comfortable in the new environment.

“It’s a big team here that wants to play physical and be hard to play against,” he said. “So I think I’m fitting right in. A big first two days so far.”

If anything speaks to the Leafs identity change under Berube, it’s the physical reputation they’re building. At 6’4″, 201 lb., Roy is a key part of creating that new look to the team’s depth, as he shared the versatility he can bring this season.

“I know I can play in different situations,” he said. “Can help out on face-offs, can play against big lines in a more defensive game, can play on the power play. I’m ready to be in any situation I get called into.”

That adaptability from Roy will play an important factor in figuring out how Toronto’s offensive lines will take shape this season. The 28-year-old kicked off camp playing alongside fellow size-add Dakota Joshua, and so far he’s enjoying that pairing.

“Type of player I like to play with, big guy who keeps it simple,” Roy said. “Likes to protect the puck, go to the net, so it’s a little bit my game as well. It’s been fun to play with him, even in the little scrimmage we did pre-camp.”

Alongside Roy and Joshua to kick things off has been top Leafs prospect Easton Cowan. Smaller in stature, but high in skill, it could prove to be a very exciting combination to keep an eye on in the preseason. Asked what he admires most about Cowan, Roy pointed to the 20-year-old’s speed, but also his drive on the ice.

“He’s really competitive,” Roy said. “Every time he’s out there, he wants the puck. He wants to be a difference maker, so that’s obviously a plus as a young player. He’s been fun to watch.”

Roy has consistently put up goal totals in the mid-teens over the last few years, and will look to keep building off that production this season in Toronto’s bottom six. So far, multiple Leafs have noted how underrated his offensive abilities are, and Roy spoke to some of the ways he can get on the scoresheet.

“I like to be net front,” he said. “I like to protect pucks down low, be hard to play against for the D-man. I think I’ve got pretty good vision to find some guys as well.”

With the size, grit, and grind he brings, Roy could prove to be one of the most exciting additions to the Leafs depth this season. Part of the ‘tough to play against’ identity the team is building this season, it’s a step in the right direction to finding that playoff-winning formula.