One of the most surprisingly-quiet aspects of the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ offseason has been the lack of discussion surrounding Easton Cowan and his potential to make the team. Despite this, I believe there’s a strong chance he’ll make the roster. Furthermore, I can’t imagine a scenario where he doesn’t unless he completely falls on his face. Cowan has outgrown junior hockey and he’s shown he possesses all the skills and attributes necessary to break into the NHL.
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Unless something unexpected happens during training camp, it’s hard to envision him not earning a spot in the Maple Leafs’ lineup. If he does make the team, it could significantly impact the overall roster dynamics. His ability to slot into the lineup at a low cap hit adds flexibility to the team’s structure. In my opinion, Cowan making the team is the worst-kept secret of the offseason—although, to some, it might still be the best-kept secret.
Cowan Is Skipping London Knights Training Camp
Cowan has emerged as one of the most intriguing Maple Leafs prospects. At 19 years old, Cowan was dynamic in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL.) He’s now pushing for a spot on the Maple Leafs roster and has made it clear that he expects to earn a place with them this season. The team’s 2023 first-round pick has opted to skip the London Knights’ training camp. Unsurprisingly, he’s all in favor of prioritizing his NHL aspirations; it’s a goal he has often shared, but few writers have talked about. Perhaps no one wants to jinx him?
As Jared Brown of The Hockey News noted, Cowan is one to watch as he pushes to jump to the NHL alongside his fellow Knights forward Kasper Halttunen. While some may question his readiness due to his youth and size, there are several reasons why Cowan deserves a shot to make the team straight out of training camp. Here, we’ll outline three of them.
Reason One: Cowan Has Shown Explosive Offensive Production
Cowan’s offensive ability cannot be ignored. Last season in the OHL, he scored 96 points in just 54 games. In those games, he potted 34 goals and added 62 assists. His production significantly improved from his previous season, where he recorded 53 points in 68 games. Cowan also boasted a 36-game point streak, which extended into the playoffs and ended at 42 games. The Maple Leafs need his consistency and ability to elevate his game during critical moments. He’d bring some…
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