Easton Cowan couldn’t have written a better final chapter to his junior career. After falling just short of a Memorial Cup a year ago, he returned with a vengeance to win and dominate. MVP of the OHL regular season. MVP of the OHL playoffs. MVP of the Memorial Cup. The London Knights won everything, and Cowan was the driving force behind that success.

It was the season that turns a promising prospect into a real NHL candidate — and Cowan knows it.

Cowan Is More Than Points: The Complete Player Is Emerging

What’s notable about Cowan isn’t just his scoring touch, although his 39 points in 17 playoff games certainly turned heads. It’s the full 200-foot game he’s been developing. Craig Berube has already hinted at the areas Cowan needs to clean up — “junior habits,” especially puck management — but Cowan seems to have anticipated that feedback. He said, “Now I know when to take a risk and when not to. … I want to be out there in the last minute, whether we’re up or down a goal.”

That’s a mindset Maple Leafs fans will appreciate — because it’s rare.

Training Camp Goals: Not Just to Impress, But to Stick

Cowan isn’t coming to training camp to show well. He’s coming to make the team. And frankly, the timing couldn’t be better. If Mitch Marner leaves — a growing possibility — there may be an open spot in the top six. There are also questions on the left wing, where the team cycled through multiple players in the playoffs.

Cowan’s relentless energy, good stick, and penalty-killing prowess could give him an edge, especially in a system Berube is likely to design around competitiveness and consistency. Cowan always does something positive, even when he doesn’t have the puck. One clip from the Memorial Cup shows him pressuring one defender, then tracking back to pressure another, forcing a turnover at the blue line. That kind of tenacity doesn’t go unnoticed.

Nine Games or More for Cowan?

The logical next step might be to give Cowan a nine-game NHL tryout to start the season, then re-evaluate. But there’s also a chance he just makes it. Cowan isn’t afraid of the Toronto spotlight — after all, as he says, “London’s kind of like the Toronto of the OHL.” He’s used to love and criticism in equal measure, and his poise with the media reflects that.

He’ll train in both London and Toronto this summer. He’s already preparing for the pace, the pressure, and the opportunity.

What’s Next for Cowan and the Maple Leafs?

The Maple Leafs have big decisions this summer, but don’t be surprised if Cowan forces their hand. He’s earned the right to make them think hard, not just about what he could be, but what he already is.

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