Easton Cowan, the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 2023 first-round draft pick, had an exceptional season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season. He nearly led his team to the championship, exceeding expectations with his stellar performance. However, Cowan could face a dilemma with the Maple Leafs this season.
Listening to Cowan talk about his role in the World Juniors and his desire to make the Maple Leafs roster out of training camp, it’s clear he’s confident, and he deserves to be. Despite being a late first-round pick, he’s proven to be a top prospect. His Knights came within a goal of winning the Memorial Cup. He has a relentless motor and a lion’s heart.
Cowan Declares: I’m Going to Make the Maple Leafs Roster
In some ways, he’s almost laid down the gauntlet for the team. Ignoring his determined mantra is hard: “I want to make the team.” This echoes Simon Benoit‘s last season but with a crucial difference. Benoit made bold claims without a solid case; his season with the lowly Anaheim Ducks made Maple Leafs fans suspect. [He proved his doubters all wrong.]
Related: Toronto Maple Leafs History of Black Hockey Players
Cowan is a different kettle of fish. He has put in the work in juniors and emerged successful. He’s become a leader – both on and off the ice. Yes, he has to transition to the NHL, and that’s tough. But Cowan seems to think it’s little more than a formality. At the World Juniors, he took on a mentoring role, welcoming younger players and offering guidance. This kid is pumped and ready.
What Will the Maple Leafs Do With Cowan’s Challenge?
What do the Maple Leafs do with him? Would they send him back to juniors when he has nothing to prove? The writing is on his own wall – at least. Cowan is poised to make the team. He’s almost daring the Maple Leafs to cut him. He proclaimed his readiness, leadership, and potential to make the team – over and over again. The question for the Maple Leafs is how (and where) to harness this youngster’s talent and confidence.
Cowan is 19 years old and too young to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Toronto Marlies. This leaves the Maple Leafs with two options: either he earns a roster spot out of training camp, and they keep him with the team for the entire season, or they can send him back to the Knights. Given his impressive season and the fact that he has little left to prove…
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