Maple Leafs leadership backing top prospect ahead of season

The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for the 2025-26 NHL season, and they have a prospect who has received praise from a couple of authoritative voices on the team.

Easton Cowan has received the title of top prospect from captain John Tavares and from Morgan Rielly, one of Toronto's defensive stalwarts.

Cowan, 20, caught Tavares' attention because of his ability to meet the demands during camp prior to the start of the season. The captain considers it a good omen for the NHL expectations surrounding the young center.

"He seems a lot more comfortable, I think, in what every day is going to bring," said Tavares, via Heavy.com. "A much better understanding of just what training camps are all about, of playing at the NHL level, and what the standard is, what the expectations are."

Easton Cowan will need teammates' support to adapt to NHL

On the other hand, Rielly wanted to highlight the physical development of the Canadian forward, although the defenseman was more cautious and recognized that the jump to the elite can always be complicated, pointing out that Cowan will need to surround himself with a good environment.

"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."

Cowan has a great opportunity to secure a spot in coach Craig Berube's squad, considering the recent loss of Mitch Marner. It's not that he is going to directly replace Marner, but Marner's absence opens the door for the 20-year-old to aspire to a role in the offensive top-six.