The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ opening night roster appears to be set.
The Maple Leafs had an intriguing roster battle at forward with Easton Cowan, Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and Calle Jarnkrok all competing for a spot. Although many expected Toronto to go with a veteran option, it appears Cowan has won the job.
Maple Leafs analyst Luke Fox of Sportsnet believes Cowan has won the final roster spot.
“Only 12 forwards can dress for the Toronto Maple Leafs on opening night, and it sure looks like the kid has grabbed the last seat on the bus,” Fox wrote. “High-scoring junior star Easton Cowan’s swift ability to reimagine himself as a fourth-liner — and mesh with fellow OHL alumni Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton — has the 20-year-old on track to make the cut and knock a quartet of veterans out of next week’s starting lineup.”
It’s a surprise given that Cowan is expected to be on the fourth line with Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. Cowan is known as an offensive player so him playing on the fourth line could be tough, but he’s confident he will fit that role.
“It’s something you could do here as well,” Cowan said. “Start in the bottom six and you can always work your way up. Whether I’m in the bottom six or top six, I can bring something to the table, whether that’s finishing checks, power play, penalty kill. I’m a good overall player and can play anywhere in the lineup.”
Cowan was selected 28th overall in 2023 by Toronto.
Maple Leafs Coach Praises Cowan
Cowan has done a good job in training camp and preseason play, as he appears to have earned a roster spot.
During training camp, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube heaped praise on Cowan. He felt like Cowan had done a nice job in camp to earn a roster spot.
“Cowan has come in and done a really good job of fighting for a spot — and so have our other guys,” Berube said. “There’s nobody that we’re disappointed in. It’s just decisions that we’re going to have to make: What’s the best fit for our team and what gives us the best opportunity to win games?”
Although Cowan may not get a top-six role with the Maple Leafs, Berube says he needs to just play his game, and the minutes will come.
“Just stay consistent in what you’re doing,” Berube added. “I get it. He’s used to scoring and making plays and getting points. That doesn’t always happen right away. It takes time for that to happen. And I’m not too worried about that. I’m more focused on the type of game he’s playing. He’s doing a good job for us right now. You don’t want him to get too comfortable and try things that will hurt him more than help him.”
Toronto opens its season on Oct. 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto’s Projected Lines
With Cowan likely earning a roster spot, the Maple Leafs’ opening night lineup appears to be set.
Fox predicts Toronto’s lineup for its first game of the season will be as follows:
Forwards:
- Knies – Matthews – Domi
- McMann – Tavares – Nylander
- Joshua – Roy – Maccelli
- Lorentz – Laughton – Cowan
Defense:
- McCabe – Tanev
- Carlo – Rielly
- Ekman-Larsson – Benoit
Goalies:
- Stolarz
- Hildeby
The Maple Leafs have the second-best odds of winning the Atlantic Division.
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