Why Easton Cowan Is Perfect for Berube’s Maple Leafs

What Cowan lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for in drive, creativity, and finish. If there’s any truth to the noise that Marner’s time with the Maple Leafs might come to a close, the organization might look at Cowan as a replacement for Marner. The two players are eerily similar in many respects – except for two facts. First, Cowan seems to have more fire in his belly. Second, he would play at a far cheaper salary than Marner’s $10.903-million cap hit next season.

There’s a Chance Cowan Could Make the 2024-25 Maple Leafs Roster

Cowan’s entry-level contract carries a cap hit of $904,667 for the next three seasons. When that expires, he will become an RFA. If he returns to the OHL next season, that contract would slide. However, if Cowan made the team, the salary-cap space he would create would be crucial to Toronto’s intent to reconstruct their blue line. While nobody would expect Cowan to be an NHL all-star right off the bat, how fun would it be to see him play alongside top players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, or even Marner himself?

There’s a chance fans might see Cowan’s potential as early as next season. If he pans out, he might also join a list of Maple Leafs untouchables. That list includes Matthews, Nylander, young winger Matthew Knies, goalie Joseph Woll, and Cowan. Cowan makes all sorts of sense as a cost-effective driver of play and should get a chance to get a long look at the NHL level next year. Yes, he must adapt to the increased physicality of the NHL level. However, given what we’ve seen of Cowan thus far, who will bet against that possibility?

The bottom line is that the Maple Leafs did very well drafting Cowan with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He’s perfect for a Berube-coached team. Will he get a chance to show it next season?