Scenes from Leafs’ morning skate: Cowan promoted to 1st power play, Nylander will play vs. Penguins

Easton Cowan was promoted to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first power play unit, as the team hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.

The 20-year-old scored the first goal of his NHL career during Saturday’s win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Cowan joined Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly during Monday’s morning skate. Matthew Knies joined Max Domi, Matias Maccelli, Nick Robertson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the second unit.

“Cowboy did a lot with the puck, skated well through the neutral zone, made plays in the offensive zone,” Berube said of Cowan. “It looked like him and (Tavares) read off each other well, created some scoring opportunities. Cowan has the ability to make those little plays in tight, 5-foot plays.”

Cowan didn’t appear to be phased by the opportunity and appears poised to make the most of his chance alongside the Maple Leafs’ stars. The rookie forward has recorded a goal and four points in nine games.

“Just be a good option, I just gotta use my hockey sense, just relax,” Cowan said. “I’ve been on the power play before, so, just go out there and play, support everyone, and try to score when we get a man advantage.”

Tavares raved about Cowan prior to Monday’s game, lauding his linemate for his approach to the game. The 35-year-old celebrated with Cowan on the ice, after setting up his first goal.

“I think he’s just such a great kid, great head on his shoulders, and I (like) his approach to the season and the way he’s kind of kicking things off professionally. I think he has a great head on the shoulders, a great focus to it and just approaching things the right way, doing what you can to contribute and be solid with and without the puck, especially when you’re an offensive player, it’s great to see him get rewarded. And that was a great shot and a big goal for us. So it’s really exciting for him.”