Maple Leafs Have Given Easton Cowan a Very Specific Assignment in Training Camp
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - Imagn Images
Heading into training camp with a lot of momentum, the Maple Leafs have given Easton Cowan a very specific assignment as he continues to fight for a roster spot.
Everyone under the sun is fully aware that Easton Cowan is an extremely gifted offensive talent. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs want to see something different from their top prospect during training camp, aside from the obvious skill.
The Leafs, especially under head coach Craig Berube, are trying to play a very different style of hockey than we've become accustomed to in recent years. While Cowan's offensive game will be a welcome addition, the Leafs want to see a different element like grit, checking, and a bit of aggression.
On Monday, TSN's Carlo Colaiacovo broke down what he's noticed so far from the early days of training camp and shines a light on what the Leafs' brass is currently trying to promote.
I've been given the explanation of what they're expecting from him. They know he can put up a ton of points, they're challenging him to excel in the other part of the game, which is play a hard game, be physical, hunt down pucks, be hard to play against, bring energy.
Colaiacovo also brought up that when Cowan started out his junior career with the London Knights, he began on the third line as a checking centre, and because he excelled in that role, his efforts helped the Knights reach the finals that season.
In London, his first year, he came up and had to be that third line, checking role type of player. His first year helped London get to the OHL finals because he absolutely excelled in that role.
The former Leafs defenseman also believes this is a massive benefit because a lot of skilled players coming from junior leagues who lack that versatility coming into the league tend to struggle and have to wait for their opportunities. With Cowan, he can slot in anywhere in the lineup and produce with or without the puck because he can do both.
Cowan, who finished off his junior career in style with an OHL championship and Memorial Cup, has a fantastic opportunity to make the opening night roster, and that versatility in his game will go a long way under Berube's watch.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 22 | 1790 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Have Given Easton Cowan a Very Specific Assignment in Training Camp Is Easton Cowan a lock to make the Leafs' opening night roster? | ||
| Yes | 898 | 50.2 % |
| No | 892 | 49.8 % |
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