Despite Strong Camp, Maple Leafs Making No Promises to Easton Cowan

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the upcoming season, questions remain about which players will crack the opening night lineup next week.

Top prospect Easton Cowan, who has been one of the best stories in camp, has seemingly done everything possible to impress, even earning praise from head coach Craig Berube. Still, his immediate NHL future is uncertain.

When asked directly about what Cowan needed to do to secure a roster spot, Berube's response was intentionally vague, as reported by Luke Fox on X:

Cowan has been one of the most consistent performers in camp, showing flashes of skill and determination while building chemistry alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz in a fourth line role.

His performance has even added speculation that Toronto may need to move out a veteran to make room in the line-up, with names like David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, and Nick Robertson being mentioned as the most likely to be dealt.

This isn't the first time Cowan has faced an uphill battle. The young forward also spoke about how he had to fight for a role with the London Knights. Naturally, we all know that he eventually earned a prominent spot on the team.

Whether or not Cowan starts the year in the NHL, he has shown that he belongs in the conversation. His play at camp has only reinforced the belief that he is on the verge of breaking through.

If making room for him means parting ways with some veteran depth, most Maple Leafs fans would likely agree that putting the best players on the ice would make the most sense -- and Cowan is making a strong case to be one of them.