Ben Danford's Comments About New, Improved Easton Cowan Should Excite Maple Leafs Fans

This year's training camp is certainly an intriguing one for the Maple Leafs and top prospect Easton Cowan, who will turn pro this season one way or another.

"Cowboy" just completed his junior career, which he capped off with a Memorial Cup victory, a second consecutive OHL championship and MVP honours after a history post-season performance. Now, it's on him to either claim an NHL roster spot with a strong training camp, or fall just short once again and begin the year in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.

Cowan has reportedly shown up in excellent shape ahead or training camp, adding some weight and enhancing his strength and conditioning over the summer, which bodes well for his chances. Fellow top prospect Ben Danford, who plays a very heavy game, has already noticed the changes in Cowan, and revealed as much from rookie camp this week.

Cowan's mindset is very clear: make the Maple Leafs out of training camp. He believes he has put in the work, and he seems a lot more confident in his abilities this fall than he was in last year's training camp.

The Leafs are certainly giving Cowan every chance to succeed, placing him on the top line for the rookie tournament and allowing him some time with young Marlies star Jacob Quillan.