Four Maple Leafs Prospects Including Easton Cowan Absent from Development Camp

The Leafs Development Camp starts today, led by top prospects Easton Cowan and Ben Danford, along with top picks Tinus Luc Koblar and Tyler Hopkins among those taking the ice, for their draft picks being the first time they'll put on the white and blue of the Maple Leafs and take to the ice as official members of the organization.

Not everyone is on the ice to start camp as four players of the roster are absent to begin the events, their absences a notable point of discussion to begin the trials.

As the players head into development camp, one major notable name will not be taking the ice in Easton Cowan.

There is no concern for the Leafs top prospect, the move is merely a maintenance decision with Cowan having played a long season in the OHL, winning the Memorial Cup with the London Knights.

Also sitting out for Toronto is fellow Knight Landon Sim, the Marlies signee also sitting out for the same reason having played a long, tiresome season in the OHL.

Two other players who will not be taking part at the start of camp are two college free agents in defenseman D.J. Hart and forward Owen Michaels.

Despite not being at Development Camp to start, Owen Michaels is a player to watch for a potential pro contract.

Owen Michaels was key in Western Michigan sealing the NCAA Frozen Four championship against Boston University with two goals, named MVP of the tournament.

Another unsigned player to watch is Owen Conrad, the undrafted defenseman a player many in scouting circles expected to be drafted.

The 6'3 QMJHL defender has the potential to be a two-way defenseman and has pro potential, a projectable player who surprised many by not being taken.

The Leafs will be keeping an eye on their 2025 draft picks, most notably second round pick Tinus Luc Koblar, wanting to see how the Norwegian forward does in his first taste of North American Hockey.

Toronto will also be watching Cowan and Danford and see their progress, especially Cowan as the team hopes he can come close to inserting himself in the team's lineup.

The Leafs still lack much in terms of surefire prospects who can jump to the NHL this season, but this camp will be pivotal in determining how well their players do against one another and evaluate their projectability for the pro level.