The Toronto Maple Leafs might have an opening night surprise up their sleeve when they face the Montreal Canadiens on October 8.
Young gun Easton Cowan is turning heads at training camp, and there’s a real chance he’ll crack the fourth line for the season opener.
The 20-year-old prospect has been practicing alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz, beating out more familiar names like Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, and David Kampf for the spot.
Coach Craig Berube can’t stop praising the kid.
“He’s done what we asked him to do,” Berube said. “The hounding part of the game, the work ethic, and the compete, playing predictable, playing direct. He’s done it in camp, and he’s done it in the games too.”
It’s pretty clear what Berube’s thinking: show up and perform, and you’ll get your shot – no matter who you are.
Putting Cowan on the fourth line is actually a pretty smart move by the Leafs. It gives the youngster a chance to learn the NHL game without too much pressure. Plus, playing alongside veterans like Laughton and Lorentz means there’s always someone to cover his back if he makes a rookie mistake.
This move also keeps guys like Robertson hungry and competitive. If they step up their game, they could either earn their way back into the lineup or become valuable trade pieces down the road.
Berube’s trying to build something special here – a team that’s disciplined and physically tough. Cowan fits that blueprint perfectly.
The Leafs are in win-now mode, but they’re also thinking ahead. They need players who can deliver more than their paycheck suggests, especially during the grind of a long season.
And right now, Cowan’s making a pretty strong case that he’s that guy.
