Unfortunate Turn of Events Leads to Favourable Situation for Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan

For Easton Cowan, the stakes are high in this year's training camp. If he can impress the coaching staff and prove that he belongs in the NHL, we could very well see him debut in the Leafs' home opener next month.

However, if he falls short of expectations, Cowan will find himself headed for the American Hockey League, where he'll play his first season of professional hockey for the Toronto Marlies. Either way, though, Cowan will be staying in Toronto.

On Thursday, Cowan and other Leafs rookies and other invitees took to the ice for practice for a practice ahead of what is sure to be an exciting rookie tournament, which will act as a precursor to NHL training camp.

Last year, Cowan was able to compete alongside friend and former teammate Fraser Minten at training camp, and the two were able to form a strong bond with one another. However, after Minten was traded last season, Cowan won't have his friend to lean on during the ordeal.

After Thursday's practice, Cowan revealed a rather unfortunate detail about Minten's untimely departure. He had just purchased a home in Toronto before being traded. It's not all bad, though, as Cowan is now renting the place from Minten, per David Alter of the Hockey News, who was one of the media members present to interview the players after practice.

Minten was dealt to the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline in the deal that brought hulking defenseman Brandon Carlo to Toronto.

Sometimes in life, things just work out, and while I'm sure Minten was stressed about being traded right after purchasing a home in Toronto, he can rest assured knowing that his good friend Easton Cowan will take good care of his place, and that he'll definitely appreciate the accommodations in his first full season playing in Toronto, be it for the Marlies or the Maple Leafs.