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Analysts Talk Easton Cowan’s Frustration With Marlies Move

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 3:47 PM ET

After a strong training camp and an impressive stint with the Maple Leafs, Easton Cowan is back with the Toronto Marlies — and according to TSN’s Mike Johnson, the 19-year-old might not be too happy about it.

Johnson shared his thoughts on TSN’s broadcast, suggesting Cowan’s emotions are perfectly normal for a player who likely feels he earned an NHL spot.

“The gut reaction — the human one — would be that he’s pissed off,” Johnson said. “He made the team, played better than some of the guys behind him, and he’s in the minors not because he didn’t deserve to be in the NHL, but because he could be sent down without waivers.”

Cowan’s assignment was a matter of roster mechanics rather than performance. Johnson noted that the Leafs’ deep forward group and multiple contracts squeezed him out of the opening-night lineup — even though he had done little wrong.

Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie added that Cowan handled himself “fantastically” during his time in the NHL, calling him personable, professional, and ready for another call-up.

“He gets it,” Leslie said. “This will make him hungry.”

While the demotion might sting, both analysts agree that Cowan’s attitude and performance have set him up for a return later this season. For now, his job is to dominate in the AHL — and prove that the next time he’s called up, it’s for good.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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