Easton Cowan Makes Strong Early Impression on Craig Berube in Preseason
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube had nothing but the utmost praise for rookie Easton Cowan as he continues to fight for a spot in the lineup for 2025.
On Sunday, the Maple Leafs had their first preseason game against the Ottawa Senators and were able to hang on for a 4-3 win. It was the NHL contingent that got things going and overall there were some pretty solid showings all round even if the Sens made it close.
One name who was getting a ton of focus was Easton Cowan, as he not only earned top line minutes alongside Nick Robertson and David Kampf, but he managed to hang with several of Ottawa's bigger names like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle.
What Craig Berube Highlighted in Easton Cowan's Performance
While he wasn't an offensive star by any means on Sunday, Cowan still seemed to have earned the respect of the most important person in the room right now: Craig Berube.
The head coach had nothing but praise for the youngster, and pointed out that it wasn't just the scoring, but how he was able to help facilitate the offense and create chances:
We know he is a skilled player on the power play and things like that. When he gets an opportunity offensively, he is a good player, but I thought his game management was good tonight.
He got pucks behind. He drove the net on the one play; a hard play to the net. That is the stuff we want to see. Overall, I was pretty happy with him.
He got pucks behind. He drove the net on the one play; a hard play to the net. That is the stuff we want to see. Overall, I was pretty happy with him.
With Cowan fighting for one of the last spots on the roster, Berube recognizing that he isn't one-dimensional and has some very good instincts and hockey IQ gives him a huge boost; he loves smart players.
And it seems like his overall game isn't being overlooked by others either:
How Easton Cowan Is Forcing His Name Into the Conversation
You can look at his accomplishments throughout junior, which involves him winning MVP awards, OHL Championships, and a Memorial Cup among many other accolades, but he's more than that.
Cowan shows the utmost heart every time he steps onto the ice and whether he scores or not, gives 100% each game. There's seemingly never an off switch with Cowan, and while he's not a 100-point superstar; he's just a rung or two under.
Plus, he's only 20 and to have to respect of Berube already, not to mention getting some serious love from both captain Auston Matthews and Brad Treliving; there's a lot of hope for him.
Now, the NHL trio of David Kampf, Calle Janrkrok, and Nick Robertson all contributed offensively in the first preseason game, and if anything the latter has the most to prove and might end up being Cowan's biggest competition this camp.
But if Easton Cowan can keep up this pace and grow each time he steps on the ice; it won't be a matter of if; but when.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 22 | 1591 ANSWERS Easton Cowan Makes Strong Early Impression on Craig Berube in Preseason Is Easton Cowan going to end up making the Maple Leafs this season? | ||
| Yes | 1110 | 69.8 % |
| No | 481 | 30.2 % |
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