With Mitch Marner traded to Vegas, a new London Knights alum hopes to rise in Toronto.
When one London Knight exits the Maple Leafs' lineup, another may be ready to step in.
This week, Mitch Marner — the former fourth overall pick and longtime face of the Toronto Maple Leafs — was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade that landed him an eight-year, $96 million deal. His departure marks the end of a decade-long chapter in Toronto, but also opens a door for someone new.
That someone might be Easton Cowan.
Cowan, Toronto’s first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is entering his third development camp with the team and comes off a dominant final season in the Ontario Hockey League. The 19-year-old led the London Knights to a second consecutive OHL championship and the franchise’s first Memorial Cup title since 2016 — the same year Marner last played for the team.
Speaking Thursday, Cowan said he's excited about the opportunity ahead.
"I have the chance to get a job, and that’s up to me to go out there and show what I can do and play my game,” Cowan said. “Still a couple months away, so I’m going to take every day to keep getting better. I’m just worried about myself."
Cowan has earned the right to believe he’s close. He led the 2024 OHL Playoffs in scoring with 39 points in 17 games, and tied teammate Denver Barkey for the Memorial Cup lead in points. His standout performance earned him the Stafford Smythe Trophy as tournament MVP.
His growth as a leader and offensive driver hasn't gone unnoticed inside the Leafs organization.
“He has an NHL skill set,” said Maple Leafs assistant general manager Hayley Wickenheiser. “It’s puck management. What you do with the puck at both blue lines, not turning pucks over in soft areas of the ice, being able to drive deep, take the puck to the net, hound and hunt the puck — which he does really well.”
Wickenheiser added that Cowan made major strides in the second half of his OHL season, showing improved habits that will be crucial at the NHL level.
While Cowan is certainly in the mix to challenge for a spot with the Maple Leafs, it’s still possible he begins the season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Regardless, all signs point to Cowan staying in Toronto — and staying in the spotlight.
The Strathroy, Ontario native said he feels ready for that pressure.
“I felt really good with my game,” Cowan said. “Similar to last year, I felt when the games got bigger, I got better. Those are the games I love to play — when there’s a lot of people watching and there’s high stakes.”
As the Leafs move into a new era without Mitch Marner, it’s fitting that another London Knights alum is knocking at the door.
Easton Cowan, Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner Trade, Maple Leafs Prospects, London Knights, NHL Development Camp, Hayley Wickenheiser, Memorial Cup MVP, Leafs Roster Battles, NHL Offseason 2025
0 Comments