The Toronto Maple Leafs had some interesting roster decisions to make at forward this training camp, and it appears Easton Cowan is on the outside looking in.
Cowan is Toronto’s top prospect, and he made the team out of camp. However, he was a healthy scratch to begin the season, and he could remain in the press box on Saturday.
Ahead of Toronto going on the road to play the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, it’s uncertain if Cowan will get into the lineup. But, before the game, Berube gave a troubling update to Cowan and his chances of getting into the lineup.
“Team’s first. And I love Cowan. We all do. He’s going to be a good Leaf, I’ll tell you that,” Berube said on Friday. “He’s going to be a good hockey player, and he is a good hockey player. But the team is the most important thing, and we gotta make decisions. And they don’t always please everybody.”
Berube, meanwhile, is impressed with Cowan’s attitude on how he has handled being a scratch to begin his pro career.
“He’s got a great attitude. He works hard. He had a good practice today,” Berube said. “We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
The Maple Leafs are on the road to play the Red Wings on Saturday.
Cowan Waiting For His Chance
Although Cowan did make the team, he was a scratch to begin the season, which was disappointing for the rookie.
However, the skilled forward is still enjoying his time in the NHL and learning from the star players on the Maple Leafs.
“Just gonna keep taking it day by day. Keep attacking it. Keep working hard. You know, have a good mindset. Be positive,” said Cowan. “It means a lot. I mean, you dream of it ever since you’re a kid. So, to still be here, I’m very grateful for that, and not gonna take any days for granted. As soon as I get in, I know I’ll be ready.”
Cowan was selected in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
Maple Leafs GM Sent Clear Message to Cowan
Ahead of the start of the season, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving sent a message to Cowan.
As Cowan was battling for a roster spot, Treliving made it clear he wanted the top prospect playing. So, if he wasn’t going to be an everyday player in the NHL he wants him in the AHL playing.
“He’s right there ready to play for us. We want to manage it appropriately,” Treliving said on Oct. 7. “If he’s going to be playing with us here, great. But if not, I want him playing.”
Berube, meanwhile, did think Cowan was an NHL player during training camp.
“Yeah, I think he is,” Berube said on Oct. 5 when asked if Cowan is ready to play in the NHL. “We have decisions to make, but I think he showed us enough (to say) that he is ready. He has a motor on him. He impresses me with his motor. It is constant work, and he has a high IQ. I liked him a lot.”
The AHL season began on Friday, so perhaps Cowan gets sent down soon.
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