Many Toronto Maple Leafs fans will be familiar with Easton Cowan, as he did spend most of the year in the NHL last season. Regardless if he is considered a prospect, he is a young player who is growing into his own. Some might dispute his status as a Toronto Marlie, but he was instrumental in their Calder Cup victory to finish last season.
Rookie season
Cowan had an interesting time in the NHL last season, often in a limited role or scratched altogether. As a rookie, he can be forgiven for not displaying true consistency as a difference maker, but the flashes were certainly there. Cowan played quite well alongside John Tavares, who clearly helped a lot of his wingers from last season.
Through 66 games with the Leafs last season, Cowan managed 11 goals and 29 points. This is a really solid start to build on, as Cowan was already nearing a middle-six scoring rate. Between some added experience, a stronger frame, another season of growth, and in turn, some more consistent usage, Cowan should have no problem building on his scoring totals and overall performance next season.
While he was not quite good enough at the NHL level to take hold of a regular spot in the lineup, there is a clear upside. Cowan has better-than-average puck skills, as well as a good hockey sense. Even more encouraging, perhaps, was his performance in the AHL playoffs. Cowan was a key scorer for the Marlies, often coming through in big moments. This does continue to build his reputation for performing in the playoffs going back to his time in the OHL.
Growth
While he does play a skill game, there is an edge to Cowan. Perhaps it is merely a moxie that he is able to carry himself with. While he can be passive off the puck at times, Cowan does not shy away from contested areas or physical battles. Especially at the highest level, where he might not be skilled enough to be the offensive focal point, he will need to embrace the physical and competitive aspects of his game.
It will be curious to see how he develops at the NHL level. On his path here, Cowan has often been a primary puck carrier for his team. This has led to some ugly turnovers and lapses. Cowan likely falls short of being the zone entry specialist for an NHL power play. In fact, he may not be able to carve out a spot on the flank either, especially on the Leafs top unit. Instead, we should hope to see Cowan head into the middle more often.
While a role as a net front specialist is unlikely, he was able to clean up some garbage around the net in the AHL playoffs. A role in the bumper could be interesting for Cowan as well. Though he can get himself into trouble holding onto the puck for too long, he has the skill and hockey sense to operate in the high slot. Quick decisions, deft touches, and good vision are paramount to this role, which is probably the only way for Cowan to get time on the Leafs top power play. Without top power play minutes, Cowan’s production will be capped.
Fit
Finding an even-strength role for Cowan will be interesting as well. He will likely find himself competing for spots with Gavin McKenna and Jack Roslovic. With William Nylander and Matthew Knies firmly entrenched in top-six roles, these three players might be fighting for two roles at most. The third might be placed deeper in the lineup, perhaps as the offensive catalyst on a checking line.
In all likelihood, the trio of Cowan, McKenna, and Roslovic will be shuffled into different spots as the season goes. McKenna, for example, was able to make adjustments to his game throughout last season. It is bold to assume McKenna will hit the ground running as an NHL rookie, so we might expect him to rise up the lineup as the season progresses. Roslovic is the more experienced player and might get the better chances early on.
Cowan, meanwhile, should have plenty of room to take hold of a spot. Playing alongside Tavares and Nylander might be an obvious place to start. Nylander can handle the primary puck-carrying duties, Tavares some work at the net front, limiting the onus on Cowan to be elite in either of those areas. The line lacks a true forechecker for Cowan to play off of, though.
Knies would be an interesting linemate for Cowan for that reason. He can get in on the forecheck and handle some heavy lifting at the net front, while also having enough skill to play off of Cowan’s playmaking. Likely with Auston Matthews as their centre, there would be a lot demanded of Cowan’s playmaking skills to thrive in this role. Cowan would need to help carry the puck up the ice, but both Matthews and Knies can help limit Cowan’s time spent holding onto the puck thanks to their tendencies to work give-and-gos.
Cowan was able to have some success as the offensive catalyst on a line lower in the lineup last season. The Leafs have placed an emphasis on players lower in the lineup taking big defensive responsibilities. Still, Cowan can help such a line go beyond mitigating opponents to punishing opponents. Potential linemates like Nick Paul, Teddy Blueger, or Dakota Joshua would help Cowan a lot with the dirty work, but would force him to do more with the puck as well.
Projection
In all, Cowan is well positioned to build off of his rookie season. Scoring 20 goals and 50 points would constitute a really strong sophomore season for him. He can assert himself as a part of the Leafs core group, build some chemistry, and become a key personality on the team this coming season.
In the end, he might have to build some complementary skills to be at his most effective instead of trying to be a puck-dominant scorer. Still, his playmaking skills, along with McKenna’s, should help to elevate his teammates and unlock some better offence for them. His personality, competitiveness, and track record of performing under pressure should be vital to the team as well.
