Former Leafs Defenseman Reveals The Only Way Easton Cowan Can Earn a Roster Spot Opening Night

Wrapping up his junior career with a Memorial Cup and Memorial Cup MVP, Maple Leafs top prospect Easton Cowan has his sights set on making the Leafs out of training camp.

The Leafs do have a spot open in the top-six now that Mitch Marner is in Vegas, but the Leafs have added a handful of forwards that have shrunk Cowan's odds to secure that spot.

The additions of Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli have certainly decreased the likelihood Leafs Nation sees Cowan suit up for the Leafs on opening night.

However, there is still one way that he could find himself with the Leafs to begin the season according to former Leafs defenseman and current analyst Frank Corrado. On TSN's 'First Up' Tuesday, Corrado was asked about the possibility of the 2023 first-round pick making the Leafs' roster and revealed that aside from injuries, Cowan's roster spot depends solely on him.

Corrado also noted that Cowan will need to avoid going into a prolonged slump if he were to make the team as he would be the first player the Leafs send to the AHL if they wanted to make roster changes given he is waivers exempt.

Either way, the 20-year-old will be with the Leafs' organization full-time this season, but unless he steals someone's spot or the Leafs find themselves in injury trouble, it will likely be with the Marlies.