Toronto Maple Leafs fans are eagerly anticipating the NHL debut of one of their most promising young talents, Easton Cowan, on Monday, October 13, at Scotiabank Arena against the Detroit Red Wings. The 20-year-old winger is stepping directly into the spotlight, having skated on the top line during Sunday's practice alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. This placement indicates that Cowan will start on the right side in Toronto's top-six, a significant show of confidence from head coach Craig Berube.
Cowan, the Leafs' first-round pick in 2023, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to debut on home ice. Despite the pressure of playing alongside the team's franchise player, Auston Matthews, Cowan remains unfazed. "I feel confident. I feel like I'm ready for this," he stated. "I'm just gonna take it all in, enjoy it, and have some fun".
The rookie's debut is one of the most anticipated moments of the Maple Leafs' early season. Cowan had a strong training camp and an impressive 2024-25 season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, where he tallied 29 goals and 40 assists in 46 games.
Coach Berube's decision to place Cowan on the top line reflects the organization's belief in his ability to make an immediate impact. This move comes after the Maple Leafs' 6-3 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday, prompting a reshuffling of the forward lines. Steven Lorentz's upper-body injury, sustained in the game against Detroit, also influenced the lineup changes. Lorentz is doubtful for Monday's game.
The Maple Leafs' forward lines at Sunday's practice featured Matias Maccelli centering John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line. Nick Robertson, Max Domi, and Bobby McMann formed the third line, while Dakota Joshua skated with Nicholas Roy and Calle Järnkrok on the fourth.
Cowan shared that he plans to call former Leafs prospect and close friend Fraser Minten, who recently scored an overtime goal for the Boston Bruins. "He'll be pumped," Cowan said. "I watched it live, actually. Then, we FaceTimed the next night — it's great to see him doing so well".
Maple Leafs fans are eager to see Cowan don the #53 jersey and step onto the ice. The game time has been moved up to 2 p.m. EST.
