Easton Cowan has firmly earned his place in the Maple Leafs’ lineup after scoring a crucial late goal in Toronto’s 2-1 overtime win against the Blue Jackets. Moments after, Columbus took the lead in the third period. Cowan answered with a sharp-angle finish off a setup from John Tavares, capping off a night where he consistently generated offence and pushed the pace. Despite several close chances in recent games, he hadn’t been able to convert until that game. With this breakthrough and his strong overall play, Cowan continues to build trust with head coach Craig Berube, solidifying his role in the top six alongside Tavares and William Nylander.
Star in the Making
Easton Cowan’s rise has been years in the making. His transition to the NHL has mirrored the dominance he showed in junior. Cowan was selected 28th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. He became the heartbeat of the London Knights, putting together back-to-back elite seasons and, as a result, leading the team to a Memorial Cup in 2025. Additionally, Cowan also competed for Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships. His combination of speed, playmaking earned him major accolades, including OHL Player of the Year, Playoff MVP, and multiple All-Star team honours. Now, those same traits are translating at the NHL level. With increased responsibility under Craig Berube, and after delivering in a critical moment against Columbus. Cowan is proving he’s not just a prospect with potential. He is a player ready to make an immediate impact in Toronto’s top six.
Why Cowan Fits the Leafs’ Identity
The Maple Leafs have struggled with secondary scoring throughout the season, and it has cost them in key moments. In the 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets, Joseph Woll carried the team with a brilliant performance, while the offence failed to break through until the final minutes of regulation. Toronto must find ways to get more consistent production from its depth. Craig Berube may have found a spark with the Cowan–Tavares–Nylander line. That trio generated the necessary offence and showed encouraging chemistry. Cowan’s speed, skill, and competitiveness make him an ideal fit in the top six, complementing players like Nylander, Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Tavares. For the Leafs’ stars to thrive, they need supporting players who can drive play and contribute reliable secondary scoring. Cowan is emerging as exactly that.
Easton Cowan is only 20 years old. The Leafs have a valuable opportunity to develop him into a true NHL star. Surrounded by veterans who can guide his growth. Cowan has the foundation to evolve into a complete, impact forward, something Toronto desperately needs, given the lack of high-end prospects in their system. With their next first-round pick coming during the 2028 Draft. The organization cannot afford to miss on Cowan’s development. His progression into a top-tier contributor is crucial for the Leafs’ long-term success.
Cowan’s Immediate Impact on the Leafs’ Offence
Easton Cowan can help the Maple Leafs right away. His speed and skill give the top-six more versatility. He reads plays quickly and can create space for teammates. He can drive the play along the boards and in the offensive zone. Cowan is also a weapon on the power play. He can find open lanes and set up high-danger chances. His skating allows him to move the puck quickly and force defensive breakdowns. Being a centre in junior Cowan can take key faceoffs and contribute in critical moments. He adds energy and pace to every shift. His presence makes the top six harder to defend. With Cowan, the Leafs’ depth scoring and power-play efficiency can improve immediately.
Cowan’s Role in Revitalizing the Leafs
Overall, Easton Cowan’s emergence gives the Maple Leafs a much-needed boost in both depth scoring and offensive versatility. With his speed, skill, and hockey IQ, he complements the team’s veteran core, including Tavares, Nylander, Matthews, and Knies, creating a more dynamic top-six. Additionally, his presence on the power play provides new options and helps generate high-danger chances, addressing one of the team’s ongoing challenges this season. Cowan’s ability to drive play and create scoring opportunities gives Toronto a fresh weapon that opponents must account for, immediately improving the team’s offensive balance.
Furthermore, Cowan’s youth and willingness to learn from experienced players allow Toronto to develop a long-term top-line forward, which is especially important given the limited draft capital over the next few years. Not only can Cowan contribute immediately, but he also represents a crucial piece of the Leafs’ future. By continuing to build chemistry with his linemates and adapting to the NHL game, Cowan could be the player who helps stabilize Toronto’s secondary scoring and push the team closer to playoff contention. His development is essential for both short-term success and long-term sustainability in the organization.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
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