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Maple Leafs' Top Prospect Drawing Attention Early at Toronto's Training Camp

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 9:30 PM ET

Easton Cowan continues to draw attention at Toronto Maple Leafs training camp as he pushes for a roster spot in 2025–26.

The 20-year-old forward, widely considered the franchise's top prospect, has impressed with his speed and confidence, showing signs of growth since arriving at camp, and he's drawn praise from all Leafs veterans.

That group includes, for now, the current and former captains, Auston Matthews and John Tavares, respectively, and blueliner Morgan Rielly.

Tavares noted the difference in Cowan’s approach compared to past years.

“He just seems a lot more comfortable, I think, in what every day is going to bring,” Tavares said. “A much better understanding of just what training camp’s all about, of playing at the NHL level, and what the standard is, what the expectations are. Not trying to do too much, but just naturally let his talent and skill-set come out through his work ethic.”

Auston Matthews on 2025 Easton Cowan: "He looks bigger. He looks stronger. He's always had confidence in his ability and who he is. To me, he just looks like an evolved version of that. So, it's been good to see."
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) September 19, 2025

Matthews was equally positive in his assessment, one he made after the first two days of practice.

“He looks bigger. He looks stronger. He’s always had confidence in his ability and who he is,” Matthews said. “To me, he just looks like an evolved version of that. So, it’s been good to see.”

Rielly, meanwhile, pointed out Cowan’s physical development, adding that the team is focused on creating the right environment for prospects such as Cowan to succeed.

“He looks bigger,” Rielly said. “I think for him, there’s no doubting what he’s capable of — he’s put that on display. Making the jump is challenging, no matter who you are. So as a teammate, you want to support him, and help everyone as we get going here.”

So far, Cowan has skated alongside Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua at camp, a sign the Leafs view him as a potential fit for a checking bottom-forward line that could also boast some offensive upside.

Head coach Craig Berube emphasized that Cowan’s junior development in London prepared him for this moment and a potential full-time jump to the NHL as soon as this season.

“They run things (in the OHL's London Knights organization) like an NHL team would, system-wise, in playing the game,” Berube said. “Easton came in at 16, 17 in London, and he wasn’t the player that he became. And I think that’s just (their) vision — teach these guys how to play the game the right way.”

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

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