Maple Leafs Provide Clarity on Easton Cowan's Status Ahead of Opening Night
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving provided some clarity as to what Easton Cowan's role with the team might be this season, regardless of if he starts or not.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs announced their official roster for the 2025 season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, there was one notable absence, that being rookie prospect Easton Cowan.
He had an impressive preseason, and was seemingly assured a spot on the fourth-line, however the team decided against that bringing Jacob Quillan instead however it was a financial move, not anything that Cowan did or didn't do.
Brad Treliving's Honest Update on Easton Cowan's Future
For now though it looks like he's going to start the season in the AHL and GM Brad Treliving seemed to confirm this however has also left the door open for the rookie should he be called upon:
Today, he's not on the roster. And then we'll see what happens tomorrow. If he's gonna be playing with us here, great. But if he's not? I want him playing.
While Toronto is likely going to keep that lineup they fielded in practice on Tuesday, it's interesting that Treliving hasn't closed the door on Cowan making the team within the next 24 hours.
The team hasn't officially assigned Cowan to the AHL yet, and with a few LTIR moves and business to attend to first, Quillan may be replaced by Cowan by tomorrow's game.
For what it's worth too, head coach Craig Berube seemed to indicate that Cowan's appearance with the team won't just be held to preseason contests:
We have a plan for him. That's all I'm going to say. Opportunity can present itself. He's a player that can help the Leafs.
We previously touched on how much Cowan impressed Berube, and it seems like he made a good enough impression to have a plan for him in mind.
Why Brad Treliving's Comments Hint at a Midseason Call-Up for Cowan
But it's interesting to see that both the head coach and GM; two people who work exclusively together to build the team, are giving Cowan essentially an in on the team, and letting us know that he'll be here, just be patient.
Toronto has to put Marshall Rifai, Scott Laughton and potentially Joseph Woll on the LTIR to start the season, so that opens up roster and cap space thanks to Quillan's placement, who then can be demoted without being waived and Cowan can come up.
Cowan skated in all five preseason games, with two points. But his OHL career has him with 220 points in 185 games and a slew of awards including 2 OHL Championships, a Memorial Cup and an OHL and Playoff MVP trophy.
If he doesn't end up with the Maple Leafs for some reason, there's a strong chance he'll head to the Marlies, dominate there or at least put in a strong performance, then earn the call up anyways.
It's almost inevitable that we will see the NHL debut of Easton Cowan with the Maple Leafs this season, and if what he's done previously is any indication then fans could see the next superstar in the making.
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