John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Sends Message After Career Milestone

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 9:50 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan took a huge step forward in his young NHL career on Saturday.

Cowan finally scored his first NHL goal in his ninth game with the Maple Leafs, marking a career milestone in Toronto's 5–2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The rookie's goal came just 33 seconds into the third period, when he took a pass from John Tavares and beat Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar to make it 4–1. The play forced Philadelphia to pull Vladar from the game.

Afterward, Cowan said the moment was a long time coming after spending time in the AHL and nearly a month with the Maple Leafs.

“I’ve only known him for two years, but I probably wouldn’t be here without him”@ryanlesliemedia caught up with Easton Cowan after scoring his first NHL goal pic.twitter.com/dFnBVFhN16
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 2, 2025

“It felt good. … You want to score,” Cowan said during media availability. “In the first eight games I played, I didn’t. So I just stuck with it in practice, kept getting better, and I’m gonna keep doing that. It always felt like it was just a matter of time.”

Cowan credited Tavares, who assisted on the play, for both his leadership and his impact on and off the ice.

“I live with him a bunch, so to be able to share that moment with him is awesome,” Cowan told the media. “What a play by him — just an unreal player and an even better guy.”

Tavares, who recently scored his 500th career goal, celebrated with visible excitement, something Cowan said made the milestone even more meaningful for him personally.

“I mean, he’s done it 500 times,” Cowan said. “So to see him that excited for a goal was definitely special. ... I’ve learned so much from him, and I probably wouldn’t be here without him.”

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan (53) skates with the puck.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Leafs drafted Cowan with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Reflecting on the night, Cowan called scoring his first NHL goal the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“What a feeling, especially for your hometown team,” Cowan said. “I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else, that’s for sure.”

The Maple Leafs will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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