The Toronto Maple Leafs have made roster adjustments, assigning forward Easton Cowan to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) and activating center Scott Laughton from injured reserve. The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Easton Cowan, 20, made the Maple Leafs roster out of training camp and has played in 10 games this season, recording one goal and three assists. The rookie forward, drafted 28th overall by the Leafs in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, has averaged 12:33 of ice time per game. During his time with the Leafs, Cowan had the opportunity to play alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, as well as Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua. Cowan also scored his first NHL goal on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The decision to send Cowan to the AHL was influenced by the need to activate Scott Laughton from injured reserve. Cowan was one of several options for players to send to the AHL but was the only player who did not require waivers. This move allows the young forward to gain more experience and play in a style that suits him while ensuring he remains a readily available call-up option for the NHL club.
Scott Laughton, 31, has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to make his season debut. Laughton missed the first 13 games of the season due to a lower-body injury sustained during the preseason. The Maple Leafs acquired Laughton to strengthen the middle of their lineup. Upon his return, Laughton is slated to play on the fourth line with Max Domi and Steven Lorentz. The team hopes that Laughton's presence will bring stability to at least one of the lines, allowing other players to settle into their roles.
Laughton was acquired from the Flyers at last season's trade deadline, with Toronto sending winger Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional first-round pick in 2027 to Philadelphia. The Flyers also retained half of Laughton's salary, resulting in a $1.5 million cap hit for Toronto. In 20 regular-season games with the Leafs, Laughton recorded two goals and four points, along with two assists in 13 playoff games.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube mentioned that goalie Joseph Woll is nearing a return after taking a leave of absence for personal reasons on September 23 and returning to practice on October 28.
These roster moves come as the Maple Leafs prepare to face the Utah Mammoth.
