In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll share that Easton Cowan is determined to secure a spot on the team coming out of training camp this season. His dedication and drive to make an impact is both natural and commendable. I’m eager to see him compete for a roster spot and tend to think (unless he doesn’t show well during training camp) that having him in the lineup is a no-brainer.
Related: NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Devils, Flames, Sharks
Regarding the goaltending situation, I’ll share a potential strategy to maximize team resources without pursuing a big-ticket contract. Instead, the team could develop internal goaltending talent, specifically Joseph Woll, and explore cost-effective options to bolster our depth. By investing in the organization’s goaltending prospects and being strategic with spending, Maple Leafs general manager (GM) Brad Treliving could ensure financial flexibility while maintaining a competitive edge in the crease. Such an approach would align with building a well-rounded team for the upcoming season.
Item 1: Easton Cowan Seems Determined to Make the Big Club
During training camp and the 2023-24 junior season, the London Knights’ Easton Cowan and Saskatoon Blades’ Fraser Minten made an impression. Both showed well during the 2023 training camp, enough for Minten to draw into four NHL games in October. With salary-cap space still a priority this season, one or both could provide cost-efficient help at forward for the Maple Leafs. As always, the team faces another season of salary-cap restrictions until some decision is made about the big contracts of John Tavares and Mitch Marner.
Cowan, especially, is an interesting case. Nicknamed Cowboy, this week, he’s taking some time off to play golf before beginning full summer training in London on Monday with Total Package Hockey and Epic. Before heading to development camp, he’ll also visit the Maple Leafs practice facility with other prospects.
In an interview earlier this week, he said he had “a goal in mind, and I’ll stick with that all summer.” Although Cowan didn’t explicate that goal, it doesn’t take reading between the lines to determine what he wants to happen. He wants to make the big club. That’s front and center in his 2024-25 season aspirations (from “Maple Leafs’ prospect and OHL MVP Easton Cowan earns break, Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun, 12/06/2024).
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