Easton Cowan’s path to the NHL isn’t going to be easy, even after his incredible Memorial Cup victory. The young Maple Leafs prospect has his sights set on Toronto’s roster, but he’s facing some pretty tough competition.
The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke doesn’t sugar-coat it: Cowan’s got an “uphill battle” ahead of him.
Here’s the thing: The Leafs already have 14 forwards with NHL experience. That’s a crowded house for any newcomer, let alone a young prospect trying to break through.
“Whether the likes of David Kampf, Nick Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok are on the opening-night roster is up for debate,” Kloke writes. “Even if Treliving moves on from one or two players before camp, though, every other player has far more pro hockey experience than Cowan.”
Toronto’s not exactly known for gambling on youth. The team’s staff typically leans toward veterans, especially since they’re in win-now mode.
But Cowan’s not backing down.
The 23-year-old’s confidence is sky-high after his Memorial Cup win, and he’s made it clear: he wants that NHL spot. Still, he’s realistic enough to know he might need to start in the AHL.
Coach Craig Berube sees the potential but wants more. He says Cowan’s been putting in the work on both physical and mental aspects of his game. The key? Playing simple, responsible hockey to earn the staff’s trust.
Cowan’s got some things working in his favor – his recent development has been impressive, he’s got the right mindset, and there’s no questioning his talent.
The biggest challenge? His defensive game needs work, and he’ll have to adjust to the intense pace of professional hockey. Once he figures that out, his offensive skills should shine through.
It might not happen right away, but don’t count him out just yet.
