Maple Leafs' Roster Taking Shape with a Few Key Surprises Involving Cowan, Grebenkin, Rifai

Ahead of this year's training camp, Easton Cowan appeared to be nearly a lock to make the 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs, at least on a trial run, similar to the one Fraser Minten was afforded last season. As of right now, however, those plans may be changing.

On Wednesday, Cowan, along with early-camp standout Nikita Grebenkin were shifted to Group B, taking reps with most of the players who are not expected to make the cut when the Leafs trim their roster down to size. Cowan and Grebenkin find themselves skating with the players who appear destined for the AHL's Toronto Marlies, including Roni Hirvonen, Alex Steeves, Logan Shaw, Ryan Tverberg and Jacob Quillan.

One significant surprise on Wednesday sees hard-hitting defenseman Marshall Rifai remaining in Group A, along with the Leafs' projected opening night blueliners, including Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit, and Timothy Liljegren. Conor Timmins is also still with Group A, but projects to be nothing more than a 7th defenseman or perhaps even a potential trade chip.

Rifai was among two players who have really stood out to new Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, with the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner stating that he's noticed a big difference in Rifai's game at this year's camp. It would appear as though Matthews has an eye for talent.

For Cowan and Grebenkin, this is certainly not the end of the line. Both players are expected to remain in the hunt for roster spots as camp progresses, but now they are in a position where they really need to stand out in the Leafs' remaining pre-season games in order to gain any traction with the coaching staff and make decisions difficult on Leafs GM Brad Treliving, who recently confirmed that he'd move veteran players to open up roster spots for younger players if they gave him enough of a reason to do it during training camp.

The Leafs are 0-1-1 to begin the pre-season, losing twice to the Ottawa Senators. They have 4 pre-season contests remaining -- two against the Montreal Canadiens this week and two against the Detroit Red Wings next week.