It's just about time for Easton Cowan.
That's the vibe coming out of the Toronto Maple Leafs after a strong preseason for the 20-year old Cowan.
Cowan played in five of the Maple Leafs' six preseason games, and head coach Craig Berube was impressed.
Berube was asked if Cowan is ready to play in the NHL, and this was his answer, via TSN:
“Yeah, I think he is. We got decisions to make, but I think he showed us enough that he is ready. He’s got a motor on him. You know, he impresses me with his motor. Like, he’s just constant work and he’s got a high IQ. I like him a lot.”
The Maple Leafs took Cowan in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
This preseason, Cowan had two assists, and he felt good about his overall game.
“I felt like throughout camp, I got better and better each and every day,” Cowan told TSN. “Obviously, the numbers weren’t there, but I felt like I played a good 200-foot game and I felt really good in my game. I know if I keep working in practice on my shot, eventually the chances will go in. So, yeah, I felt like I had a really good pre-season.”
The Maple Leafs open the season on Wednesday in what should be a fun one. They're home against the Montreal Canadiens with a 7 p.m. start time.
Toronto is trying to build on a strong 2024-25 season, and sometimes, it takes a little bit of an extra nudge to get to the next level. Maybe Cowan is exactly what the Maple Leafs need.
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