Dave Feschuk believes in Easton Cowan’s ability to impact games moving forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs submitted two of their most complete efforts of the season, in victories over the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers this week. Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss Easton Cowan’s rookie season, what the Maple Leafs’ offseason could hold and where he thinks Craig Berube’s future within the Maple Leafs lies. 

Cowan has drawn praise from the Maple Leafs fan base lately for his willingness to jump in and defend his teammates. The heart was showcased again on Tuesday when Cowan went after Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov, following the 6-foot-5 defender’s hit on John Tavares. Feschuk touched on the background of where he thought  Cowan learned this style of play.

“Is that the Maple Leafs culture coming through, or is that the London Knights culture with Cowan coming to the rescue of Tavares. I think the answer is Knights culture,” Feschuk said. “Cowan didn’t learn that from anybody in the locker room; he learned that from the Hunter brothers and the standard they set in London.”

As for Cowan’s rookie season as a whole, the former first-round draft pick in 2023 has appeared in 57 games, recording nine goals and 13 assists in what has been an up-and-down season at times for the 20-year-old. Feschuk touched on how he’s viewed Cowan’s first campaign in the National Hockey League.

“It’s kind of to be expected. Talking to scouts who’ve seen him closely over the years had concerns that it would take him a while to adjust. He’s only 20 years old, and the NHL is not the CHL, we all know that,” Feschuk said. “I’ve always liked the motor on him. The one thing you can’t really argue with is he’s a guy that keeps going out there. On a team where the pulse is not easy to pick up sometimes, I think it stood out in a very positive way. I think it’s been a decent season for him, and I think he can be a contributor moving forward.” 

Following the trade deadline, Matthew Knies’ name swirled in trade rumours, something that came as a shock to many, as Knies is only 23 years old and signed until the completion of the 2029-30 season. Feschuk gave his thoughts as to whether he thought Knies would remain a Maple Leaf heading into next year. 

“I would think so. I don’t think you move off young guys in a situation like this, and I do understand you have a conundrum where you don’t have a ton of players with value, and if you’re going to trade for a younger generation, you’re going to have to get value for some of your players,” Feschuk said. “To me, it doesn’t make sense because he fits into the cohort of the 20-something year olds, so I wouldn’t move off the young guys.” 

As for Berube’s future, which many have speculated is coming to an end following the Maple Leafs’ regular season. Feschuk wasn’t certain that Berube being relieved of his duties is such a sure thing. 

“I never want to say never when it comes to the Maple Leafs because it’s an unpredictable organization. When I’ve heard Keith Pelley talk about this team, the only thing that gives me pause about Berube is that he’s spoken glowingly about how he changed the culture and how he’s a big part of what we’re doing here,” Feschuk said. “But obviously going into the offseason change needs to be made.”