On day two of training camp, it’s becoming clear that the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking a whole lot bigger and a whole lot stronger.

Two major contributors to the team’s growth, literally, are new-adds Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy, who are shaping up to slot in on Toronto’s third line. Speaking to media at camp Friday, head coach Craig Berube spoke about what the two fresh faces could bring to Toronto’s bottom six.

“I love the size of the both of them,” Berube said. “I think it’s a line that can go out against any line in the league and hold them down, check them, and be physical and hard on them with the size and the strength that they have. They play similar games, down low in the offensive zone, checking, things like that. They’re hard to play against, that’s what I like.”

The ability to be a tough opponent is something Berube speaks on often. With Joshua at 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds. and Roy at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, it certainly creates a big obstacle for any opposing players.

Through the start of camp, top prospect Easton Cowan has played wing beside Roy and Joshua. While Cowan hasn’t officially earned his place on the Leafs this season, Berube shared that he wants a playmaker like him alongside those two big forwards.

“I like a guy that has the skill to make some plays to those guys,” he said. “They have the ability to score some goals, both of them, which they have in the past. So, you’ve got to have a guy who can make some plays and get them the puck. Easton is one of those players. He’s a good playmaker, he sees the ice well and he makes plays in tight.”

Speaking of offensive contributions, Berube also touched on what he expects to be improved scoresheet contributions from Oliver Ekman-Larsson this season. Set to play more on the left side, Toronto’s coach said he sees the position improving his offensive production.

“I think you’re gonna see more offence, right?” Berube said. “Anytime a D-man with offensive abilities plays a strong side, he’s a lot more comfortable, and it’s just easier in the offensive zone. That’s what it really boils down to for me. Pulling pucks off the wall, you’re on your forehand right away. When you’re on your backhand, it’s a lot more difficult, it’s not an easy thing to do.”

Another top story from last season was getting the power play going. With Mitch Marner gone, Berube was asked who will be playing point.

“For me it’s Morgan (Rielly) right now,” he said. “He’s done it in the past here and they’ve had success.”

A veteran of Toronto’s power play, Rielly will be a smart choice to start things off. Hopefully, they can find that offensive spark on the man advantage quicker than they did last year.

Love baseball? Don’t miss The 6ix Inning Stretch — the brand new podcast from The Nation Network, presented by Betway. Hosted by Toronto sports reporter Lindsay Dunn and 3-time MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield, this weekly show delivers insider stories, unfiltered Jays talk, player interviews, and expert analysis from around the majors. New episodes drop every Wednesday — listen on your favourite podcast platform or watch on the Bluejaysnation YouTube channel.