The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a number of players represent their respective countries in the past at the World Junior Hockey Championship. John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, William Nylander, Jake McCabe and more have competed in that tournament for World Junior supremacy.
Last year, only Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten represented the Maple Leafs at the 2024 tournament. With representation, being low in the past, the number of players possibly playing this year will be low once again. However, there are still impactful players that can make their mark on their respective teams. One of which, would definitely love to get retribution after a quater-final exit last year.
Here are three prospect hopefuls that are looking to crack the roster and represent the Maple Leafs at the World Junior Championship.
Easton Cowan – Canada
Cowan’s spot on the roster is pretty much a lock, as he is one of many returning players from last year’s team. It’s also safe to say, that Cowan would want to have another crack at a gold medal after an early quarter-final exit, losing in the dying seconds of the third period.
Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship
Drafted 28th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2023, Cowan has continued where he left off last season with his scoring dominance by extending his regular season point streak to 54 games. During that span he has tallied 91 points which is an impressive feat. Cowan has 25 points in 18 games this season and with the World Junior Championship on the horizon, it’s likely he’s going to be relied on in a bigger role with the red and white compared to last year.
The Hockey Writers is already projecting Cowan to potentially be in a top-six role. He’s a player that can be a factor in any situation. He can dominate at five-on-five, the man advantage or on the penalty kill. That alone makes him an all-situations type player for this team in an elevated role this time around. Cowan’s work ethic, motor and drive instantly takes over a game which can turn the momentum. He’s always pressuring players to force a mistake and then he pounces on those opportunities and makes the opposition pay. That’s the kind of player Canada needs and he fits that description.
Given Cowan’s experience from last year and how he would like some revenge after a disappointing finish,…
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