The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the midst of their best stretch of the season. The team has seemingly risen from the Eastern Conference cellar and gotten back into the playoff picture. The turnaround has been the result of various factors. From goaltending to depth scoring, the team’s turnaround circles back to everyone chipping in.
One of the players who has elevated his game is rookie Easton Cowan. Since returning to the NHL after his brief demotion to the AHL, Cowan has become an increasingly valuable team member. His role in the top six has cemented him in the lineup.
But it’s been his versatility that’s helped Cowan remain with the Maple Leafs. During an exclusive interview with RG Media’s Marco D’Amico, Cowan credited his versatility as the main factor driving his development this season.
Cowan had this to say about his willingness to play anywhere in the lineup:
“You have to be ready to play anywhere in the lineup. It helps me a lot to earn the coach’s trust to be able to play top-six or bottom-six. My goal is to help my teammates and create space for them, doesn’t matter which line I’m on.”
That disposition, moreover, has landed Cowan on the Maple Leafs’ second line. Cowan has found chemistry with John Tavares and William Nylander. The 20-year-old has proven he can keep up with two of the Maple Leafs’ most dynamic players.
But there’s another facet to his game that warrants further praise.
Cowan Working on his Two-Way Play
Today’s NHL demands that top-six forwards go beyond being one-dimensional threats. Even when players are high-end offensive weapons, the modern game requires players to become effective on the other side of the puck.
The Maple Leafs’ rookie has taken notice of that. As Cowan told D’Amico, working on the defensive side of his game has been a top priority.
Cowan added:
“I’ve been working a lot on my defensive game at practice and I think it’s come along nicely,” he said. “Just working on those smaller details to help impact the game at both ends of the ice is just so important for the team.”
Cowan’s influence on the Maple Leafs has helped the team tremendously. He’s been a welcome contributor, reducing the pressure on the front office to scour the league for a serviceable top-six forward this season.
Maple Leafs Have Budding Young Core
The Toronto Maple Leafs could have the makings of a solid young core. Along with Easton Cowan, 24-year-old netminder Dennis Hildeby has been a most welcome asset. He’s stepped in and supported the team during the crisis in goal.
Meanwhile, other young players like Nick Robertson have taken a step forward. That’s three decent pieces that the team could eventually build around. Up-and-coming blueliners like Ben Danford and William Villeneuve could become fixtures at some point down the line.
It’s evident the Maple Leafs are in win-now mode. But the team could sidestep the carnage of another rebuild by gradually bringing in prospects into the fold in the coming seasons.
Maple Leafs Rookie Credits his Role to this Crucial Factor