Easton Cowan’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs could soon be coming to an end.
Cowan made the Maple Leafs out of training camp, but he has struggled to make an impact. With Toronto getting healthier, as Scott Laughton is closing in on a return, Maple Leafs analyst Edward Eng of EditorinLeaf expects Cowan to be sent down to the AHL.
“It has certainly been a feel-good story to see top prospect Easton Cowan finally make his NHL debut this year with the Leafs,” Eng wrote. “After putting together back-to-back monster seasons in juniors, along with a promising training camp, Cowan officially got the call just before the season opener and has been steadily with the club ever since.
“However, up until now, the young 20-year-old forward had seen himself healthy scratched a few times. Along with recording just two assists over five games played,” Eng added. “Cowan even had a shot on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. But eventually failed to stick with the unit for long. He has also been used elsewhere in the lineup. But appears to still be on a learning curve as he learns to adapt to the fast pace of the NHL. As a result, Cowan will likely be sent back down to the Marlies once Scott Laughton returns from the injured reserve for more seasoning. That way, his play would be more polished and complete the next time he gets the call-up.”
Sending Cowan down to the AHL makes sense, as he has been a scratch and struggling in the NHL. He can learn the pro game and get some more confidence in his game. Before, perhaps, making an impact on the Maple Leafs roster later this season.
Maple Leafs Coach Said Cowan Needed a ‘Reset’
Cowan has been scratched at times this season, and Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said that was due to him needing a reset.
Berube wanted to make sure Cowan is still playing well, and he felt like having him sit out a game every once in a while is best for him.
“He needs a reset, to watch a game at some point. But he’s in a good spot,” Berube said of Cowan.
Cowan was selected 28th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. He’s skated in 5 games, recording 2 assists.
Berube Likes Toronto’s Game
Despite the Maple Leafs being off to a slow start, Berube is pleased with the team’s play.
Toronto suffered a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. Although the Maple Leafs lost, Berube liked the team’s play.
“For me, tonight, we played more to our identity and our game, with the way we want to play it,” Berube said postgame on Friday. “Now, there are always things to clean up, right? Keeping the puck out of our net. There are some things there where we can do a better job. But overall, this game showed me the speed of our team when we play direct, the compete, and the heaviness. There were tons of shots going toward the cage and puck recoveries.”
The Maple Leafs will host the Sabres on Saturday.
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