Easton Cowan, the Toronto Maple Leafs' top-rated prospect, is set to make his NHL debut on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 20-year-old forward is expected to play in an ideal spot, alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the team's top line.
Cowan's opportunity arises due to an upper-body injury sustained by Steven Lorentz during Saturday's game against the Red Wings. Lorentz did not participate in Sunday's practice, and head coach Craig Berube has indicated that he is doubtful for Monday's rematch. This opens the door for Cowan, who was a healthy scratch in the first two games of the season, to showcase his skills at the highest level.
"I feel confident. I feel like I'm ready for this, so I'm just gonna take it all in, enjoy it and have some fun,” Cowan said Sunday.
Throughout training camp, Cowan initially found himself in a fourth-line role but his hockey intelligence and tenacity have him in a spot to thrive in a top-six role. It remains to be seen whether he can generate enough offense to remain on the top line.
In response to Lorentz's injury, Berube has shuffled the forward lines. Mattias Macelli has moved up to the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander. Bobby McMann has dropped to the third line, joining Nick Robertson and Max Domi, while Dakota Joshua will skate with Nicolas Roy and Calle Jarnkrok on the fourth line.
Cowan is coming off an impressive major junior career with the London Knights. Last season, he recorded 29 goals and 69 points in 46 games, helping the Knights win their third-ever Memorial Cup. He was also named the Memorial Cup MVP. The Maple Leafs selected Cowan 28th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Berube's expectations for Cowan's debut are clear. "He's a guy that gets down low in the offensive zone. I'd like to get that line some more possession, some more plays. He does that stuff,” Berube said Sunday. Cowan's tenacity in retrieving pucks aligns with what Berube seeks in a first-line right wing. It is expected that Knies and Matthews will focus on scoring, relying on Cowan to win puck battles and utilize his playmaking abilities.
Cowan grew up as a Maple Leafs fan, making his debut in front of the Scotiabank Arena crowd even more special. "I think that makes it that much more special. Lots of family and friends and obviously in front of the awesome Toronto fans,” Cowan said. All eyes will be on Cowan during Monday's game, and playing alongside a former Hart Trophy winner in Auston Matthews will magnify the stakes.
The Maple Leafs are looking for a different result after their first loss of the season. The Leafs suffered a 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings. A major lineup change was made following the loss.
