Easton Cowan is finding his stride with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the signs of his growth are becoming more evident. The 20-year-old forward logged his third-highest ice time of the season, skating for 19:07 in the Leafs' thrilling 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers. This marked the ninth occasion Cowan found himself on Toronto's top line, sharing the ice with veterans John Tavares and William Nylander.
Cowan's most extended playtime came during a 3-2 overtime setback against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he clocked 20:06. Head coach Craig Berube praised Cowan's stamina and work ethic, noting, "He wants to play all day.
He doesn't seem to tire, and he's got a lot of juice. He's a worker with skill."
The Leafs' decision to trade Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy has opened the door for Cowan. He's been a fixture in the top six for five of the last ten games since the trade deadline, and his role on the power play has expanded, moving from the second unit to the top group.
Since the trades, Cowan's average ice time has increased to 16:07, up from 14:34 over his previous 47 games. "Obviously, you want to play as much as you can," Cowan said, emphasizing his commitment to making the most of every opportunity.
With nine goals and 22 points through 57 games, Cowan's rookie season is shaping up well. Coach Berube noted, "He's gotten better throughout the season. It's normal for a young player to have ups and downs, but he's found his rhythm again."
Cowan's transition from junior hockey with the London Knights to the NHL has involved mastering the demanding schedule and improving puck management. He’s been a standout in practice, always the first on the ice, and his dedication is paying off.
Cowan’s character shone through during a recent game against the Boston Bruins when he stood up for teammate John Tavares after a rough hit by Nikita Zadorov. Despite the size difference, Cowan didn't hesitate. "It takes a lot of guts to stand up to someone like Zadorov," said teammate Anthony Stolarz, highlighting Cowan's courage and team spirit.
Interestingly, Cowan and Zadorov share a connection, having lived with the same billet family in London. After the incident, Cowan shared a laugh with his former hosts. "They just kind of laughed about it," he said.
Mark Hunter from the Knights organization also reached out, offering a simple "good job" text that resonated with Cowan. Despite the Maple Leafs' challenges this season, Cowan's rookie campaign is a bright spot.
His focus remains on continuous improvement. "I definitely feel like I'm just getting better," Cowan reflected.
"My mindset is to keep improving every day, and that's what it takes for a long career."