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Leafs practice notes: Easton Cowan promoted to top line with Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 1:11 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan will likely made his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. Cowan was promoted to Toronto’s top line alongside Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews during Sunday’s practice session.

The 20-year-old was a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs’ first two games, but head coach Craig Berube shuffled the lines following a 6-3 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday. Cowan appeared to have secured his spot in the lineup during the preseason, but Berube elected to keep him out through the opening week.

“I feel like I’m ready for this, so I’m just gonna take it all in, enjoy it and have some fun,” Cowan said following Sunday’s practice via Jesse Blake of SDPN.

There was a complete reshuffling of the forward lines on Sunday. Matias Maccelli joined John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line, while Max Domi centred Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann. McMann-Domi-Robertson played extensively last season, registering a plus-three goal differential in 222 minutes at 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick.

Dakota Joshua joined Nicolas Roy and Calle Jarnkrok on the fourth line. Roy and Jarnkrok formed a strong partnership through the opening two games, while Joshua’s power game appears to be a natural fit. Steven Lorentz did not practice after suffering an upper-body injury in Saturday’s game.

At the time of this filing, it’s unclear who will start in goal Monday. Anthony Stolarz started the first two games, with Cayden Primeau serving as the backup. Stolarz was practicing on another surface Sunday, and Primeau may be in line to make his first start with the Maple Leafs.