Auston Matthews' Comments About Easton Cowan Turning Heads at Leafs Training Camp

The Maple Leafs' 2023 first-round pick, Easton Cowan, set some lofty goals for himself after ending his junior career with an OHL Championship, Memorial Cup and being named the Memorial Cup MVP.

The 20-year-old entered Leafs training camp stronger and five pounds heavier than last year. On day one of on-ice sessions he showed off his added strength in a battle drill with former London Knights teammate Landon Sim.

Offensively gifted, Cowan spent day one of camp skating on a line with Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy - two much larger, but defensively responsible forwards, which may be a good spot for him this season, if he were to make the NHL squad.

Following day two of camp, Leafs captain Auston Matthews was asked about the 20-year-old and what has impressed him so far in camp and during pre-camp skates. His response has turned some heads and has some wondering if Cowan might finally be ready to make the big jump.

Expectations throughout Leafs Nation are high for Cowan. However, GM Brad Treliving doesn't plan to rush him into the Leafs' lineup, but also won't turn him away if he earns a spot.

With pre-season action set to kick off on Sunday, it will be interesting to see if Cowan is among those selected to suit up for the pre-season opener against the Ottawa Senators later today. If he is, all eyes will be on the 20-year-old Ontario-born winger.