Easton Cowan’s path to the Leafs’ top six is starting to take shape
Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
One analyst outlines the way that Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan can stamp his mark on Toronto's top-six.
Easton Cowan's place in the lineup has been a confusing one. Cowan went from an outsider to a surprise winner of a roster spot in the lineup, but has found himself sitting on the sidelines for Toronto in their last three games in what has been an unsurprising mixed season for the rookie.
Former Toronto Maple Leaf defenseman and current TSN analyst Carlo Colaiacovo views the Leafs potential selling off at the trade deadline as being a way to finally insert Cowan in the top-six.
It should be noted before anything that what Colaiacovo noted about Cowan not playing in the AHL during the Olympics break would not be permissible as Cowan has hit the limit for NHL games allowed prior to the break that would allow him to play in the AHL.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Easton Cowan didn't play the last two or three games for the Maple Leafs, surprised they gave him the Olympic break off, especially after healthying him three games.
But look, you have to think that, if the Maple Leafs are shipping guys out, I don't know if the intent is to bring guys back in to fill up those roster spots.
You have to think, if they're going in that direction, it's force feeding Easton Cowan to get a lot of playing time and further push his development, so that next year he's more ready for a bigger role. - Carlo Colaiacovo
But look, you have to think that, if the Maple Leafs are shipping guys out, I don't know if the intent is to bring guys back in to fill up those roster spots.
You have to think, if they're going in that direction, it's force feeding Easton Cowan to get a lot of playing time and further push his development, so that next year he's more ready for a bigger role. - Carlo Colaiacovo
Trades could lead Easton Cowan to emerge full-time in the Leafs top-six
Based on the Leafs next few weeks, the Toronto Maple Leafs trade deadline could have major ramifications on Easton Cowan depending on how things go.
The Leafs have been linked as moving from buying to selling mode as players such as Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton begin to gain traction as options on the trade block.
With a top-six option such as Cowan, or even less likely options as Matias Maccelli and Max Domi as potential trade departures, it would only move Cowan further up the lineup, and likely into full-time status.
Long-term, the expectation is that Easton Cowan is hoped to be a future top-six forward, and the sooner the better for a Leafs time that could use another key winger.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to sell off at the trade deadline, one quiet winner could be Easton Cowan in his path forward to a higher status.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 12|745 ANSWERS Easton Cowan’s path to the Leafs’ top six is starting to take shape Will Easton Cowan be a top-six forward by next season? | ||
| Yes | 509 | 68.3 % |
| No | 236 | 31.7 % |
| List of polls | ||