Brad Treliving Sends Clear Message to Easton Cowan Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving had a message for prospect Easton Cowan ahead of training camp and urged the young forward to take that next step.
If you're a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, you have to be excited about what the future holds for top prospect Easton Cowan not only due to his offensive potential, but that he could be the team's answer to their top-six issues given he earns the trust of Craig Berube.
It's a massive long shot for the young forward, however for someone as accomplished as him, making the team shouldn't be too difficult in due time although he's going to have a slew of competition this camp from players who not only have the experience edge; but are on their last legs.
Treliving Says Cowan is Ready to Push for a Roster Spot
The spot is his for the taking if he works hard enough, and while he might not be a shoe-in to make the squad, his hard work won't go unnoticed.
But if you ask Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving about Cowan's chances at making the roster, not only is he confident he can; but could do it as early as this season.
Talking to reporters ahead of the team's training camp, and subsequent preseason games, Treliving was candid about the rookie's chances and had the utmost faith in his ability:
If you can help us win, if you're 20 or 35, we don't really care what your birth certificate says. If you can help us win, you're gonna get an opportunity.
I think him going back to London last year was 100 percent the right move.
He had an exceptional year, he won a championship, went through a lot of development not just on the ice, but off it.
I think he's ready now to push to be on the team. Is that now, is that October, is that a year from now? The players will decide. Really, it does come down to that.
I think him going back to London last year was 100 percent the right move.
He had an exceptional year, he won a championship, went through a lot of development not just on the ice, but off it.
I think he's ready now to push to be on the team. Is that now, is that October, is that a year from now? The players will decide. Really, it does come down to that.
Leafs GM Praises Cowan's Growth After a Championship Run in London
What more can you really say though about what Cowan accomplished? It's easy to see why Treliving has the confidence that he could make the team if all goes well.
Two OHL Championships, 1x MVP (Red Tilson Trophy), 1x Playoff MVP (Gretzky 99 Award), 1x OHL First-Team All-Star, 1x OHL Second-Team All-Star, 1x CHL First-Team All-Star, 1x CHL Third-Team All-Star, 1x OHL Second All-Rookie Team, and capped it off with a Memorial Cup in 2024-25.
Add on top of that 220 points in 185 games (84 goals, 136 assists) and you've got the combination of accomplishments, pure talent, and winning pedigree that gives Cowan such a bright future.
But he understands it's the smaller things that will make him better, and his growth (literally) will add some much needed size to a player who is already 185 pounds at 20 and might crack 190-195 in a couple years; but he plays heavier than his weight suggests.
So while there's a ton of competition from names like Nick Robertson, and fellow rookies like Luke Haymes and Jacob Quillan; there's no one quite like Cowan in the system.
Which means he might be here sooner than later.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 1223 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Sends Clear Message to Easton Cowan Ahead of 2025-26 Season Do you think Easton Cowan will make the Maple Leafs out of training camp? | ||
| Yes | 944 | 77.2 % |
| No | 279 | 22.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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