Cowan’s Journey to the Maple Leafs Lineup by the Numbers

Easton Cowan, a rising star in professional ice hockey, is set to make his highly anticipated debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 20-year-old winger will line up alongside NHL stars Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies in their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. This significant moment marks the culmination of a two-year journey since Cowan was selected 28th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Cowan’s Early Career and Development

Cowan’s path to the NHL began with a strong performance in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). During the 2022-2023 season with the London Knights, he recorded 20 goals and 53 points across 68 games. Notably, he excelled in the playoffs, scoring nine goals and accumulating 21 points in just 20 games, helping his team reach the OHL Championship Series. His coach, Dale Hunter, utilized Cowan in various roles, showcasing his versatility and potential.

Accolades and Achievements

• Cowan led the Knights to back-to-back J. Ross Robertson Cups (2024, 2025) and a Memorial Cup victory in 2025.
• He was named the Red Tilson Trophy winner for being the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player after finishing seventh in league scoring during the 2023-2024 season with 34 goals and 96 points in 54 games.
• During the playoffs, he dominated the scoring charts, tallying 10 goals and 34 points, earning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP.
• At the 2024 Memorial Cup, Cowan scored three goals and contributed eight points, despite his team’s narrow loss in the final.
• In the following OHL season, Cowan recorded 29 goals and 69 points in 46 games, leading the playoffs again with 13 goals and 39 points in 17 games.
• His stellar performance in the 2025 Memorial Cup saw him share the scoring lead and earn another MVP title as the Knights secured the championship against the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Prepared for the Big League

Hailing from Mount Brydges, Ontario, Cowan acknowledges the pressures of being a local player for the beloved Maple Leafs. However, he believes that his experiences with the Knights have equipped him for this challenge. Cowan remarked on the attention that comes with being a Leafs prospect. He stated, “There’s obviously a lot of people watching wherever you go, and it’s matured me a lot over the last couple of years.”

As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, Cowan is excited to finally wear the Maple Leafs jersey. His journey to make it to the NHL has been marked by hard work, resilience, and impressive performances, proving he is ready to contribute on one of hockey’s biggest stages.