Easton Cowan on advice he received from Mitch Marner: ‘Never take anything for granted’

The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ ninth early playoff exit in nine years under the Brendan Shanahan regime propelled some big changes, beginning with Shanahan’s departure. With the extent of changes to the Leafs organization spanning to coaches, general managers, and secondary players, the Core Four has been safe the entire time. For the first time, it appears that there’s a legitimate chance their Core won’t look the same next season. Mitch Marner and John Tavares are the two members of the core with expiring contracts, but with each player in a vastly different situation, it feels like Marner is likely on his way out, while the Leafs are actively working to get a contract done with Tavares.

Maple Leafs top prospect Easton Cowan has long been a fan of Marner’s, dating back to the mid-2010s when a young Cowan used to idolize Marner in his junior days and early days with the Leafs. The aspiring Leaf youngster sat down with TSN’s Mark Masters for a conversation about a number of topics, including the London Knights’ ongoing run to the Memorial Cup, playing against fellow Leaf prospect Ben Danford, and his relationship with Marner. Cowan told Masters that being able to talk to the Leafs winger whenever he wants has been a great experience.