Easton Cowan May Have Made the Maple Leafs, Based on Craig Berube's Most Recent Remarks

After multiple NHL training camps, it would appear as though Easton Cowan has finally figured it out and may be in line to make his NHL debut on opening night.

The Leafs rookie came to camp having grown slightly in height and also packing on some muscle over the last year, which has put the London Knights star in a much better position to succeed this time around.

Not only is Cowan bigger and stronger, but the way he is approaching this camp is much more mature than in years past. He is now focused on playing simple, strong, fundamental hockey, and Leafs GM Craig Berube has taken notice.

Berube is setting Cowan up for success this year, as the rookie sensation has been placed on Thursday evening's roster against the Montreal Canadiens, marking his 3rd straight pre-season game.

Berube spoke with the media on Thursday, and it's clear from his comments that he is a fan of the 20-year-old and how he has performed thus far.

Berube isn't the type of coach who is just going to pump someone's tires for no reason. He is a straight-shooter who tells it like it is, good or bad. Thus, when he speaks positively about a young player like Cowan, that praise is earned.

Reading between the lines, it's hard not to come to the conclusion that Cowan has the inside track to a roster spot. The question is, does he already have it locked up? Or does he still have something left to prove?

The young forward has skated with Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton on multiple occasions in training camp, and a 4th line role might be good for him to get his feet wet in the NHL. These will be his linemates once again on Thursday in Montreal.