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Maple Leafs Top Prospect Sees Opportunity in Mitch Marner's Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:12 AM ET

With Mitch Marner now in Vegas, top Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan sees a shift in the team's lineup and a chance to move forward in his career.

The 20-year-old Maple Leafs prospect reflected this week on Marner’s role as a mentor but made clear his focus has shifted to making the NHL roster.

"He meant a lot to me," Cowan said, per the Toronto Sun. "You know, happy for him. Opportunities open up for other players. But yeah, super happy for him."

Marner, who won the Memorial Cup MVP in 2016, congratulated Cowan via text back in 2024 after the prospect earned the same award. Cowan won the championship both last year and this season, both times playing for the London Knights.

Cowan will miss the mentorship of Marner: "It meant a lot to me. Happy for him. Opportunities open up for other players (in Toronto)." #Leafs
— Terry Koshan (@koshtorontosun) July 3, 2025

Cowan now hopes to turn his junior success into a full-time role in Toronto with the Maple Leafs.

The youngster made clear he'll make the most of the opportunity emerging out of Marner's exit from the Maple Leafs organization.

"I have the chance to get a job, and that's up to me to go out there and show what I can do and play my game," Cowan said. "Still a couple months away, so I'm going take every day to keep getting better.

"I'm just worried about myself."

Marner’s departure opened roster space, but Cowan is realistic and knows the opportunity will only turn into a real chance of cracking the NHL squad if he proves he can handle it.

Cowan's numbers regressed last season, with the forward scoring 69 points in 46 OHL games compared to his 96-point season two years ago, appearing in 54 regular-season games with the London Knights.

That said, Cowan topped his 34-point playoffs from 2024 with 39 points in 17 games this season.

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

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