Maple Leafs Urged to Consider Cowan Trade in Blackhawks Prospect Blockbuster
As the Toronto Maple Leafs navigate a challenging start to the 2025-26 season, pressure mounts on General Manager Brad Treliving to shake up the roster. While the core players appear to be off-limits, speculation has emerged regarding the potential trade of top prospect Easton Cowan.
The suggestion to consider trading Cowan comes as the Maple Leafs struggle to find consistency on the ice. Despite earning points in three of their last four games, two of those were overtime losses, highlighting underlying issues. The team's struggles have amplified calls for change, with many believing a significant roster adjustment is necessary.
Analyst Nick Alberga proposed a bold move: dangling Cowan in exchange for a high-end defensive prospect from the Chicago Blackhawks, specifically mentioning Sam Rinzel or Artyom Levshunov. Alberga clarified that acquiring either player would likely require Cowan plus additional assets. While Levshunov, the Blackhawks' second-overall pick in 2024, is likely untouchable, Rinzel could be a more realistic target, especially considering he was recently a healthy scratch.
The question then becomes: Is Easton Cowan untouchable? While Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies are considered cornerstones of the franchise, Cowan's status is less certain. Given the Maple Leafs' limited prospect pool, parting with Cowan would require acquiring a blue-chip player in return, a description that fits both Levshunov and Rinzel.
Easton Cowan, 20, has shown signs of adapting to the NHL level, with his ice time and comfort level increasing in recent games. His performance against Columbus, where he contributed a game-tying assist and logged over 20 minutes of ice time, showcased his potential. Cowan is seemingly acclimating to the professional game with more experience.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Maple Leafs are looking for roster-for-roster trades. With the Maple Leafs not having a first-round pick until 2028 and a lack of prospect capital unless they consider trading Easton Cowan. The Maple Leafs had reportedly tried to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson last season from the Calgary Flames, and forward Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues.
The Maple Leafs have a few players they can consider trading, such as Max Domi, Nicholas Robertson, or even Brandon Carlo, but what he chooses to move will depend on what he sees as a need. It’s fair to say the Maple Leafs need a defenseman, but they could also benefit from an impact forward to slot into their top six. Toronto didn’t adequately replace Mitch Marner, and although their offense is rolling, they still have a gap on their top two lines.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Cowan hinges on Treliving's assessment of the team's needs and the potential return. If the Maple Leafs can acquire a player who significantly improves their roster, particularly on defense, trading Cowan might be a risk worth taking. However, if the offers are underwhelming, the Maple Leafs may be better off keeping Cowan and allowing him to further develop into a top-six forward.
