Easton Cowan grateful to remain with Maple Leafs despite roster uncertainty

After weeks of roster cuts through training camp and preseason play, just one rookie skater remains for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two days out from the season opener, Easton Cowan is the sole survivor amongst the team’s fresh faces.

Speaking after Monday morning’s practice, Cowan shared how it feels to still be in consideration to start the season in the NHL after a tough few weeks.

“It means a lot,” Cowan said via The Hockey News’ Nick Barden. “I mean, you dream of it ever since you were a kid. To still be here, I’m very grateful for that, and not going to take any day for granted.”

At practice Monday, Cowan skated as the 13th forward, with the team’s lines looking a little different in the absence of Scott Laughton, who is out to start the season due to a lower-body injury. Cowan was previously expected to start on the team’s fourth line alongside Steven Lorentz, with Laughton playing centre. Now, what this week holds for Cowan is a little more uncertain. After Monday’s practice, head coach Craig Berube shared they haven’t finalized roster decisions, and spoke matter-of-factly on what the 20-year-old will have to do to make his NHL debut on Wednesday.

“Just keep working, keep practicing,” Berube said, per Barden. “He’s had a good camp. No decisions have been made.”

It appears for now that Cowan has made a strong case to be part of the Maple Leafs roster to start the year and there’s not much more he can do to prove his worth. With Laughton out, it seems like it’s more a decision on what the best look for the Leafs’ bottom six is, and if Cowan has a place there right now.

Still a young, developing piece for the Maple Leafs, if Cowan isn’t given a spot on the opening night roster, it will make more sense to have him start the year with the Toronto Marlies. While fans are anxious to see him suit up in the NHL, in the minor leagues he can play top-six minutes and work on his game until there’s a place for him with the Leafs. The Marlies kick off their season this Friday in New York, facing off against the Rochester Americans.

Give us your thoughts, where do you think Cowan should start the year?