2025 TLN Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings: #1 Easton Cowan

Finding a roster spot for Cowan is somewhat challenging, at least before training camp begins. But any young prospect could benefit from added ice time, something he’s bound to get as one of the offensive leaders with the Marlies. If, for example, a roster spot opens up in the top six ahead of camp and Cowan has a chance to play and learn alongside Auston Matthews or John Tavares, there’s legitimate value in keeping him up with the team. If he’s going to be stuck alongside David Kampf or Nicolas Roy, maybe not. Toronto has a ton of veteran depth to work with, while Cowan simply needs to play.

Cowan is very tenacious. When he’s at his best, especially in the playoffs, he really wants to get a hold of the puck. He’s going to take it off you because he’s always chasing. He’s got that speed to make it work and he’s got notable offensive skill. Cowan is not going to be a massive point guy in the NHL. I don’t expect him to get 80 points in the NHL, but he might get you 65 points and do these other things that make him very valuable. He’ll hit the ice, play physically, and can even kill penalties. That’s where a lot of that value comes from.

All that together is what makes him so intriguing – and, in a sense, likely to take away from his offensive potential. But that’s OK – if he’s playing alongside Matthews or Tavares, he’s not going to need to be the one driving the play. Instead, he’ll be better suited as the ultimate support player, someone whose own play allows everyone around them to unlock their full potential.

Cowan has primarily been a center over his career, but projects to be more of a winger given Toronto’s depth. That being said, don’t be surprised if he locks up one of the two top center positions with the Marlies to start the season. They’ve got plenty of options to choose from, but Cowan might have the most skill of anyone. It’s unlikely he joins the Marlies and isn’t playing a ton of minutes from the get-go. In the long run, though, Cowan could be a legit long-term replacement for Mitch Marner after the former Knight bolted for Vegas.

While Cowan has added some muscle and size to his frame since his draft, utilizing that to his advantage against pro players is a whole other story. Many scouts thought Cowan would continue to grow to close out his junior career, and he genuinely is much stronger than he was in 2023.  Continuing to add muscle mass without sacrificing anything else that makes his game so dangerous will allow him to become an even more effective NHL player.

Dominating junior hockey is one thing. Translating that into NHL success is another. As Toronto’s top prospect, Cowan will likely be trade bait until he becomes a full-time NHL forward. Having Dale Hunter as a junior coach had to do wonders for his development – London is as close to a professional hockey program as you’ll find in the OHL. That leadership matters, and Cowan, over the past two years, was a shining star throughout a pair of title runs.

That’s why fans are so excited about Cowan. He has a winning pedigree already, and he doesn’t lack confidence. Give him the right pathway to the NHL, and Cowan could be a truly important piece of the puzzle moving forward. The Maple Leafs’ scouting department deserves credit for going with their gut in 2023. Now, we’re getting closer to seeing what Cowan is capable of.