Easton Cowan enters this season with a clear chance to turn a solid rookie year into something much bigger.
A lot of Toronto Maple Leafs fans already know the name. Cowan spent most of last season in the NHL, and while some may debate whether he should still be viewed as a prospect or even as a Toronto Marlie, he was a major part of the Marlies’ Calder Cup run to close out the year. That kind of finish matters, because it reinforced what has followed him for a while now: when the games get tighter, he tends to show up.
His first NHL season had its ups and downs. Cowan was often used in a limited role, and there were nights when he was scratched altogether.
That’s hardly unusual for a rookie, especially one still trying to find his footing at the top level. But the flashes were real.
He looked especially comfortable skating with John Tavares, who seemed to help a lot of his wingers last season.
The numbers give Cowan a decent base to build from. In 66 games with the Leafs, he scored 11 goals and finished with 29 points.
That’s already close to middle-six production, and there’s reason to think more is coming. Another year of growth, a stronger frame, more experience, and steadier usage should all help him take a step forward.
The upside is obvious. Cowan has better-than-average puck skills and strong hockey sense, and his work in the AHL playoffs only added to the case. He was a key scorer for the Marlies and came through in big moments, continuing a pattern that goes back to his OHL days.
There’s also a harder edge to his game than people sometimes give him credit for. He can be passive away from the puck at times, but he doesn’t avoid traffic or physical battles.
That part of his game will matter more and more if he’s not going to be the offensive centerpiece at the NHL level. He’ll need to lean into the competitive side of things.
The next challenge is figuring out where he fits. Cowan has often been the main puck carrier on his teams, but that has also led to turnovers and some rough moments.
He probably isn’t going to be the Leafs’ zone-entry specialist on the power play, and even a flank role may be a stretch, especially on the top unit. The more realistic path is for him to work more through the middle.
A bumper role could make sense. He has enough touch and vision to operate in the high slot, even if he can get into trouble when he holds the puck too long.
Quick decisions and soft hands are the key traits there, and that may be the only way he gets meaningful time on the Leafs’ top power play. Without that kind of usage, his scoring ceiling gets squeezed.
At five-on-five, the picture is just as interesting. Cowan will be fighting for ice time with Gavin McKenna and Jack Roslovic. With William Nylander and Matthew Knies locked into top-six roles, there may only be two spots available for that group, with the third player sliding lower in the lineup as a scoring threat on a checking line.
That trio is likely to move around as the season goes on. McKenna adjusted his game last season, but it would be a big ask to assume he’ll immediately take off as an NHL rookie.
Roslovic has the experience advantage and could get the early opportunities. Cowan, though, should have a real chance to claim a role.
One obvious fit would be with Tavares and Nylander. Nylander can drive the puck, Tavares can handle work around the net, and that would ease some of the burden on Cowan. The issue is that the line would still need a true forechecker.
That’s where Knies becomes an interesting option. He can do the heavy work on the forecheck and around the crease, while still having enough skill to complement Cowan’s playmaking. If Auston Matthews is the center in that setup, Cowan would be asked to do a lot with the puck, but Matthews and Knies both help by moving the puck quickly and playing give-and-go hockey.
Cowan also showed last season that he can help drive a lower-line unit. Toronto has put a premium on defensive responsibility from players deeper in the lineup, but Cowan has the skill to make that kind of line do more than just survive. He can help turn it into a group that actually creates problems for opponents.
Players like Nick Paul, Teddy Blueger, or Dakota Joshua would help with the dirty work, though they would also ask Cowan to do more with the puck. That tradeoff could work if he keeps growing into the role.
A strong sophomore season would look like 20 goals and 50 points. That would be a major step forward and would put Cowan in position to become part of the Leafs’ core group. It would also help him build chemistry and establish himself as a key personality in the room.
He may need to round out his game and become more of a complementary player than a puck-dominant scorer. Even so, his playmaking, competitiveness, and ability to handle pressure give him a real path to becoming a valuable piece for Toronto this season.
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