Easton Cowan’s AHL Designation Best For His Development

But there was a growth aspect to his game that was evidently missing. It wasn’t so much confidence as it was developing a role on a team that was lacking in identity. To be honest, the Maple Leafs were missing that bite from the drop of the puck on the 2025-26 season. Cowan’s first season came in the wake of a devastating offseason loss and there was an expectation on him as the up-and-comer to provide offensive production from the onset.

However, he was being placed in a losing atmosphere which can’t be truly beneficial to a young player unless they are seeing ice-time and a lot of it. That wasn’t the case for Cowan in his first season with the big club. He would eventually go on to get more as the season grew further out of reach, averaging over 14 minutes of ice-time per game. But the constant in an out of the lineup made it difficult in the beginning to build a regiment and a consistency that the team and fans alike wanted to see.

Regardless, he posted 11 goals and 29 points while being the main player to stand up for his teammates late in the season. He, at a certain point, developed his own role as the playoffs got further and further out of reach. The losing culture didn’t help.

So when the Maple Leafs season was officially over and players started to disperse for their offseason activities, Cowan and team management discussed him joining the Marlies for their end of season and playoff run – something Cowan willingly agreed to.

Cowan’s AHL Stint Furthers His Professional Development

When Cowan was asked about heading to the AHL following the conclusion of the Maple Leafs’ season, his response was exactly what fans and staff wanted to hear.

“Me and management came together and thought it was the best choice for my development,” said Cowan. “I’m excited to be here with the boys and win some hockey games.”

The Maple Leafs have been criticized recently for their development paths of some of their prospects. Nicholas Robertson comes to mind in that conversation, as does Topi Niemelä. Now, of course, similar questions have been raised around Cowan’s development – especially prior to the AHL assignment.

That said, sending him to the AHL following his first NHL season helps in terms of easing the criticisms. The Marlies are about to open up their playoffs with an opening round series against the Rochester Americans and Cowan’s going to get the chance to be a part of a winning culture – something he’s grown accustomed to coming from the Knight in junior.

On top of that, having the chance to play more hockey in a professional league against players that are fighting for that next level recognition will only benefit Cowan. Now, in four games with the Marlies, Cowan already has a goal and three points and he’s going to continue to get opportunities to reignite that confidence he had coming out of junior.

Everything considered, the move to the Marlies – albeit late in their season – will give Cowan a chance to play more hockey, develop his game further with a good group of players, while playing for something important in the Calder Cup playoffs. With that, the Maple Leafs have done right by their young forward in continuing his overall development ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.