Time and Space: Easton Cowan is taking the leap

Cowan was an all-around menace throughout the contest, and scored the go-ahead goal on the power play. He attempted to fight the 6-foot-7, 230-pound Logan Stanley in the third period, and was lauded for his improvement post-game.

“I think it’s night and day,” Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz said of Cowan’s year-over-year improvement, following the September 30 win. “I mean, he’s playing with a lot of confidence and I think the defensive aspect of his game has improved as well. He’s getting some PK time out there. I think that’s just the maturity and just growing as a player. And obviously I think the best thing for him was going down to the American League and just getting a taste of that playoff action and just kind of being able to play his game and dominate. He carried that confidence into the summer and he’s playing a huge role on this team so far.”

Cowan has largely played in the bottom-six with Paul and Sissons, but earned a promotion to the top-six, while John Tavares was away from the team due to the birth of his child. Here’s what we wrote about Cowan, following an opening night loss to the Montreal Canadiens, where was the Leafs’ best skater:

Cowan was the Maple Leafs’ best bottom-six forward by a wide margin, and was rewarded with a secondary assist on Nylander’s second goal. He kept his feet moving, won puck battles, and was often leading the communication between Nick Paul and Colton Sissons. Cowan delivered a clever slip pass to Troy Stecher, creating an unlikely scoring chance. He worked tirelessly throughout the contest, and could be in line for a promotion, especially after the Maple Leafs boasted about flexibility and optionality.

Although he’s been primarily used on the third line, Cowan has worked an excellent two-man game with William Nylander to start the year. Cowan and Nylander have built strong chemistry together, connecting on a give-and-go during the September 29 loss to the Canadiens. Nylander found Morgan Rielly in open space during Saturday’s 6-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche, where Rielly wired the puck over to Cowan for a one-timer, and a 4-3 lead.

Cowan was empowered to play to his strengths this summer, as the Toronto Marlies won the Calder Cup. He was allowed to make plays with confidence entering the offensive zone and attempt to beat defenders off the rush. Cowan was often the most skilled player on the ice, and he took over several contests, using his speed, offensive acumen and all-out aggression to overwhelm AHL opponents. The benefits of cooking AHL competition has certainly paid off, as Cowan’s offensive productivity and activity is soaring for the Maple Leafs.

“I went down there and played in a lot of situations. Yeah, (John Gruden) and the coaching staff down there were great to me. They just let me play, but they taught me a lot too,” Cowan said on October 5. “I mean, they know the game down there. Even the older guys down there, you know, (Marlies captain Logan Shaw) Shawsy, (Vinni) Lettieri, (Matt) Benning, (Dakota Mermis), like all these guys, they teach you a lot, whether that’s on the ice or off the ice, they’ve all played games. So I think that’s helped me out a lot.”

Cowan is taking the leap for the Maple Leafs. He’s been one of the best skaters on the team through six games, where his versatility, tenacity and two-way conscientiousness were always assets. Cowan is skating well, shielding the puck with confidence, getting to the dirty areas, while displaying some renewed scoring touch. He’s still just 21 years old, and the Maple Leafs have to be thrilled with their ascending, young forward through October.