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TORONTO — Easton Cowan was clear and concise in articulating his mindset for when he arrives at his second Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in September.

The 19-year-old forward, chosen as the No. 28 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs, expressed his desire to join the team, stating, “My goal has always been to make the team.”

While it may seem ambitious, Cowan considers it to be a highly attainable goal. He came extremely close to achieving it in the previous season, making it to the final roster cuts for Toronto and remaining with the team until October 11th, right before their regular season opener.

Cowan expressed his ambitions at the Maple Leafs development camp, stating, “My ultimate goal is to join the NHL, and I am filled with immense confidence.” He acknowledged the importance of becoming a dependable player, earning the trust of the coach. Cowan recognized the need to enhance his game management skills, believing that this improvement would pave the way for his success.

I simply want to demonstrate that I have improved since the previous camp. Over the past year, I have gained valuable knowledge from my experiences at the Leafs camp and my time spent in London.

Cowan made a triumphant return to the London team in the Ontario Hockey League last season. In just 54 games, he impressively accumulated 96 points, with 34 goals and 62 assists. This outstanding performance ranked him sixth in scoring throughout the league. Additionally, Cowan proved to be an unstoppable force during the OHL playoffs, where he became the leading scorer with 34 points, consisting of 10 goals and 24 assists, in just 18 games. His exceptional contributions played a vital role in leading London to victory and securing the league title. As a result of his remarkable achievements, Cowan was honored with the prestigious Red Tilson Trophy as the most valuable player during the regular season. Moreover, he was recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions, earning a spot in both the OHL and CHL First All-Star Team. Lastly, Cowan was bestowed with the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award for his outstanding performance as the playoff MVP.

Even the Maple Leafs were surprised by his historic season.

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Toronto’s assistant general manager for player development, expressed her belief that it is reasonable to state that initially, there might have been surprises regarding Easton. However, as we gradually became more acquainted with him and had the opportunity to spend time with him on a daily basis, I can confidently say that nothing he does now catches me off guard.

He is an exceptional individual, highly motivated and determined. Not only does he possess remarkable skills on the ice, but he also maintains an impressive level of fitness and demonstrates immense dedication in all aspects of his life. Moreover, he possesses a strong belief in himself, a crucial quality required to achieve greatness at the highest level.

Cowan’s impressive performance in the OHL Final resulted in a total of 15 points, consisting of three goals and 12 assists across four games. This remarkable contribution played a crucial role in London’s sweeping victory over Oshawa and securing a spot in the Memorial Cup.

Cowan expressed how training camp, which showcased his abilities, greatly assisted him in gaining confidence to compete with experienced players, ultimately benefitting his performance in the OHL.

During the OHL Final, Defenseman Ben Danford, who was selected by the Maple Leafs as the No. 31 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, frequently encountered Cowan while playing for Oshawa.

Danford praised him, saying, “He’s a great guy. While on the ice, we may clash a bit, but overall, he has proven to be exceptional. He’s undeniably a game changer, and his MVP title in the playoffs solidifies him as an outstanding player.”

Cowan, who participated in his inaugural development camp last season, also had the opportunity to represent Canada in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. In the five games he played, he contributed two points (one goal, one assist). According to Cowan, the area where he has experienced the most notable growth is the mental aspect of the game.

Cowan expressed, “Similar to not allowing the previous shift to affect you, I found that during my draft year, I allowed it to bother me more than necessary. However, this year, I observed some progress where I simply moved on and approached every shift with confidence. It truly made a difference and positively impacted my performance.”

According to Wickenheiser, Cowan’s ability to demonstrate strong defensive skills will be crucial in order for him to achieve his goal of securing a spot on the Toronto roster during training camp.

Wickenheiser expressed her belief that he is poised to make a strong effort. He has consistently defied expectations throughout his career, so she has confidence in his abilities. However, in order for him to succeed, it will be crucial for him to excel in the defensive aspect of the game and keep up with the fast pace of play. It is not just about his offensive skills, although he is nearly there.

“It will be exciting to watch.”