Maple Leafs name Easton Cowan to opening-night forward lineup

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have finalized their opening-night roster, with 20-year-old rookie Easton Cowan earning the final forward spot after a strong training camp and preseason showing, the team said. Cowan has skated primarily on the right side of what has been projected as the fourth line alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz, and head coach Craig Berube said the winger has demonstrated he is ready for NHL competition as the regular season opens Oct. 8 at Scotiabank Arena against the Montreal Canadiens.

Cowan, a 2023 first-round pick selected 28th overall, was praised by Berube for his work ethic and hockey sense. "I think he is. We got decisions to make, but I think he showed us enough that he is ready," the coach said after a recent preseason game. Berube added that Cowan brings a relentless motor and high hockey IQ, while also urging the rookie to remain consistent and avoid overreaching in games. Cowan has described his own approach as willing to start in a bottom-six role and earn increased responsibility. "Start in the bottom six and you can always work your way up," he said.

The Maple Leafs concluded their annual team bonding trip in Muskoka this week...