Maple Leafs prospect needs more time, but the foundation for success is there

Can Toronto Maple Leafs forward prospect Easton Cowan make the team's roster? The Athletic's Joshua Kloke wrote Cowan faces an "uphill battle" — despite all the progress he's made. Cowan has enough competition from veteran players that he could have a difficult time sneaking on to Toronto's roster next season.

According to Kloke, Toronto's staff tends to favor players with more experience, complicating the possibility that the team's top prospect gets a full-time role, regardless of his great potential. The Leafs have 14 forwards with NHL-level talent, which leaves very little margin for Cowan to earn a spot on the roster — and more considering that Toronto is a team known for pursuing immediate results, at least in recent years.

"Whether the likes of David Kampf, Nick Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok are on the opening-night roster is up for debate. Even if Treliving moves on from one or two players before camp, though, every other player has far more pro hockey experience than Cowan," Kloke wrote.

Easton Cowan wants NHL spot with Maple Leafs but knows he needs time

Cowan, 23, feels ready for Maple Leafs camp, and his confidence is through the roof after winning the Memorial Cup. So much so that he recently assured that his goal is to play in the NHL, but he recognized that he will likely have to start in the AHL first.

Although Kloke thinks it will be challenging for Cowan to earn a spot, it is also difficult to believe that the Leafs won't give an opportunity to their top prospect to demonstrate what he is capable of. So, Cowan needs to focus on improving his defensive performance and adapt to the professional competitive rhythm. Ensuring the above, eventually his offense will develop, and surely he will fulfill the team's expectations.

Coach Craig Berube said that the 23-year-old has been working on improving his physical and mental skills, but he pointed out that he needs to earn the staff's trust by playing simply and responsibly.

Therefore, beyond that, it is difficult, but the young prospect has some things in his favor, like his recent development, a good mentality and enough talent to fight for a spot in the Leafs' roster.