In a thrilling turn of events, Easton Cowan has emerged as a force to be reckoned with as he embarks on his journey to crack the roster of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The London Knights forward is not only stronger but also apparently an inch taller, standing at a formidable 5’11 and a half.
“I’d like to say I’m 6-foot now, but maybe with shoes on,” Cowan joked with a smile, exuding confidence and determination. Toronto’s first-round pick in the 2023 draft, selected 28th overall, Cowan has proven to be a towering presence at the Leafs rookie camp, showcasing his skills and physical prowess on the ice.
“He just looks like more of a man,” remarked Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden, who is closely monitoring Cowan’s progress at the camp. “He’s stronger. He’s got that little bit more of a pop,” Gruden added, emphasizing Cowan’s impressive growth and development.
Cowan himself is thrilled to report that he has packed on an additional two to three pounds of muscle over the summer, bringing his weight to a solid 180 pounds. “As a winger, you get into a lot of puck battles along the boards, and those are crucial in any type of game,” Cowan pointed out. “Getting those pucks out and being a bit stronger, that will help a lot,” he added, highlighting the importance of physical strength in his position.
With rookie camp in full swing, Cowan and 25 other Leafs prospects are seizing the opportunity to showcase their progress and skills honed during summer training. General manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube are closely monitoring the camp, eager to witness the potential of the young talent vying for a spot on the team.
“I’m just going to take it day by day,” Cowan emphasized, embracing the challenge with a positive mindset. “Show my skills, show my compete ethic and just have fun out there,” he added, exuding determination and focus ahead of main training camp.
As rookie camp draws to a close, Cowan and his fellow prospects are gearing up for a pair of games against Montreal Canadiens prospects at the Bell Centre over the weekend. The competitive matches will serve as a final test before the official start of the season.
Cowan’s impressive performance in the Ontario Hockey League last season serves as a testament to his talent and potential. With 96 points in 54 games, he claimed the prestigious Red Tilson Trophy as the most outstanding player, leading the Knights to an OHL title with 34 points in 18 post-season games. The 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. was rightfully honored with the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the playoff MVP, solidifying his status as a rising star in the hockey world.
