Easton Cowan's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is under scrutiny as the team explores potential trades to bolster their roster. The Maple Leafs are reportedly seeking a top-six scoring winger to enhance their offensive capabilities. However, General Manager Brad Treliving faces a challenge due to limited trade assets, leading to increased interest from other teams in Cowan.
Despite external interest, the Maple Leafs are reluctant to trade Cowan. Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos reported that Cowan is considered a "non-starter" in trade discussions. This stance reflects the organization's high regard for the young forward's potential and current value.
Cowan, who recently scored his first NHL goal against Philadelphia, has shown promise in his initial NHL games, tallying one goal and three assists in his first 10 games. However, he has also been a healthy scratch on three occasions this season. Some analysts, including Jonas Siegel of the New York Times, have questioned whether the NHL is the ideal environment for Cowan's development at this stage.
One potential path for Cowan involves gaining more experience and playing time in a different setting. Siegel suggested that Cowan could benefit from significant minutes in all situations elsewhere, allowing him to further develop his skills before potentially rejoining the Maple Leafs later in the season or after the trade deadline. This approach would allow head coach Craig Berube to sort out his lineup in the NHL.
Recently, Berube promoted Cowan to the top power play unit, hoping to spark improvement in that area. Berube noted Cowan's playmaking abilities, emphasizing the need for more creative plays on the power play. "We're not making enough plays on the power play... He really does see those plays," Berube said.
While the Maple Leafs view Cowan as untouchable, prospect Ben Danford could be a more attainable trade chip. However, opinions vary among league circles regarding Danford's potential, with some seeing him as a bottom-pair defenseman and others believing he could develop into a top-four option.
Cowan's current entry-level contract, which pays him $873,500, adds to his value for the Leafs, providing a cost-effective option. His performance and development in the coming weeks will likely influence the Maple Leafs' trade decisions as they approach the trade deadline.
The organization's strategy appears to be balancing the desire to improve the current roster with the long-term development of its prospects. Whether Cowan remains with the Maple Leafs for the entire season or is temporarily moved to gain more experience, his future is closely tied to the team's overall trade plans and aspirations for a deep playoff run.
