Fans Are Already Comparing Easton Cowan to a Former Maple Leaf
Photo credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
Easton Cowan only has a few games under his belt so far in his NHL career but it hasn't stopped Maple Leafs fans from comparing him to former player Michael Bunting.
Getting another chance in the lineup on Saturday night, Easton Cowan made the most of it by assisting on Nick Robertson's first goal of the year, and showed that energy and tenacity that we anticipated.
While he still hasn't scored, it only feels like a matter of time before he does, and he's making everyone else look good by playing smart, selfless hockey, and not backing down from the grittier areas on the ice.
It's a breath of fresh air so to speak, as Toronto is letting their rookie do what he can to make an impact, and let him build his confidence more and more.
Why Fans See Similarities in Easton Cowan's Game
But he's also drawing very similar comparisons to one former Maple Leaf who also seemed to make everyone better, that being Michael Bunting:
Cowan is just a more well rounded, higher upside Bunting. 6 games into his career but he just seems to know how to compliment skilled players. Not afraid of the boards or battling in front of the net and love the back to the bench shots he has no issues giving to the other team.
There's also one fan who had very high praise for Cowan as well, comparing him to a Tampa Bay Lightning star:
While he has slowed down considerable since his tie in Toronto, Bunting at one point was an underrated compliment to Auston Matthews, able to find him at a moment's notice and really showcased his playmaking ability.
Cowan is much more offensively dynamic and with enough time and reps can easily make a run like Bunting did. We already saw some hope with him and Matthews earlier on, and while that is on hold for the time being; it shows the team trusts him.
We know his offensive prowess, as he had 220 points through his London Knights career, including a 96-point season that was part of a wild (though unofficial) 65-game point streak.
There's a reason why he's so hyped up, and with Mitch Marner gone, a lot of people expected Cowan to come in and be the same player.
That was never going to happen, but perhaps he doesn't need to be a Marner.
Instead he should focus on becoming the 2025 version of Maple Leaf Michael Bunting, and carve out his own legacy that lead to fan comparisons down the line.
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