Bad news for Maple Leafs Easton Cowan: He is most likely not making the official team

An NHL training camp can be a tough experience for players. For young guys, the competition level is usually much higher than what they're used to, and it can be intimidating to be on the ice with renowned NHL veterans. Also, it can lead to a lot of disappointment. By the end of camp, dozens of players are cut from the roster. Some are sent down to the AHL camp, but most of them usually go back to where they came from.

In Toronto, the situation is especially tough: the young guys must be with NHL superstars Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares, they have to perform well under immense pressure, and they must deal with the media. Also, the Maple Leafs aren't in a place where they want to develop players; they want to win, now. Young guys are already at a disadvantage, but some of them still manage to impress.

That's the case of Easton Cowan. The Maple Leafs' 28th overall pick in 2023 constantly shows that he can play at a high level alongside NHL players.

Unfortunately for him, the Leafs have a stacked lineup. They have a lot of depth on the four lines, and Craig Berube is most likely to give more responsibility to players with NHL experience.

If he were to play for the Leafs, he wouldn't get significant ice time, greatly affecting his development. After spending the past season dominating in the OHL, the best option for him is the AHL. Sadly, a rule makes this scenario impossible, which should lead to his return to the OHL.

Technically, players can join the AHL at 18 years old. However, there's a special rule for players evolving in the CHL. 18- and 19-year-old OHL, WHL, or QMJHL players must be sent back to the junior team that holds their rights if they don't make it to the NHL at training camp.

This means that Cowan, 19, will need to return to the London Knights if the Toronto Maple Leafs don't keep him.

Last season, Cowan showed that he's ready for a bigger challenge than the OHL. In 54 games, he scored 96 points to lead his team to the OHL Championship. He was also named playoff MVP, scoring 34 points in 18 games.

The Leafs recognized his great talent last year when playoff MVP, scoring 34 points in 18 games.

He still has time to prove to Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs' management that he deserves a shot in the NHL. Tonight, he will take part in the Leafs' first pre-season game against the Ottawa Senators.

But even if he performs incredibly well, like he did in the rookie game against the Montreal Canadiens, it'll be hard for him to make his way to the lineup when the regular season starts.

A decision will need to be made: either he gets a spot with the Leafs and ends up playing 10 minutes per game in a limited role, or he returns to the OHL and helps the London Knights pursue a second championship title in two years.