The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t have a ton of assets to make trades happen, but it’s clear the Maple Leafs won’t be dealing one player.
Toronto’s top trade assets are Easton Cowan, who has started the year in the NHL. As well as defensive prospect Ben Danford, who’s playing in the OHL. Although Cowan is playing for the Maple Leafs, his name is still expected to be involved in trade talks. Especially if Toronto looks to acquire a star player before the deadline.
However, NHL insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet revealed the team has no desire to trade Cowan.
“As we get into the second month of the season, teams are starting to figure out what they need,” Kypreos wrote. “But while the Maple Leafs would ideally like to add a scoring winger, their hands are tied by the fact they don’t have as many assets to trade that can match other teams.
“Many teams will come calling for Easton Cowan, which is a non-starter for now. Ben Danford is another prospect of theirs who could be more attainable. But there are mixed feelings around the league whether he’s going to be a bottom-pair NHL defenseman. Or, someone who can get himself into a top-four role one day.”
Cowan has shown he has what it takes to be a good NHL player, so it makes sense that the Maple Leafs aren’t willing to trade him. He’s also in the first year of his entry-level deal, which helps out Toronto’s cap as he’s making just $873,500.
Maple Leafs Legend Gives Cowan Advice
Despite being a rookie, Cowan has made an impact on the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
Cowan has shown he can be a top-six forward in the NHL. Hockey Hall of Famer and Maple Leafs legend, Darryl Sittler, spoke to Heavy.com and gave some advice to Cowan.
“Well, I think Easton, there’s no doubt he’s a very skilled and talented player,” Sittler said to Heavy.com, through an interview by ToonieBetCasino. “The fact that he played for the Hunter brothers in London. He knows the importance of playing a 200-foot game, so to speak. He’s come into our camp the last couple of years, and especially this year, with the attitude that that’s what he has to do. The opportunity will come for him.
“If I’m Easton Cowan, I just say I put my trust in the coaching staff and the management staff. He’s got lots of experienced guys and players around him like John Tavares and other players who’ve been in the league to support him. So just come ready every night, play hard and his skill level and his passion for the game will come to the top for sure.”
Cowan has recorded 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points in 10 games this season.
Cowan Gets Promoted to Top Power Play Unit
Toronto has been off to a slow start, and Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube made a switch to his power play.
Cowan was promoted to the top power play unit as Berube was hopeful that it would give it a spark.
“We’re not making enough plays on the power play. I talk out of both ends of my mouth, but you know, we are shooting pucks,” Berube said on Monday. “I think we’re top 5 in the league with shots for on the power play, but we’re not getting results. A lot of times, you know, you gotta be able to make these plays. He really does see those plays. Like in the bumper, going to the goal line, little rotation stuff. So, hopefully that can trigger something and get some better looks in tight.”
The Maple Leafs will return to the ice on Wednesday when they host the Utah Mammoth.
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