Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan followed in Mitch Marner’s junior hockey footsteps by winning the Memorial Cup with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). However, Cowan has not kept in contact with Marner since the latter’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights after spending nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. While Cowan views Marner as a mentor, he recognizes the business side of hockey, understanding that Marner’s departure opens opportunities for other players.
“He meant a lot to me. I’m happy for him,” Cowan said during the opening day of Etobicoke’s 2025 Maple Leafs Development Camp. Marner was among the players who congratulated Cowan when he won the 2025 Memorial Cup. For many players like Cowan, returning to junior hockey and winning the championship validates their readiness for professional play.
Cowan earned the Memorial Cup Tournament MVP honors that Marner also won with the Knights in 2016. Selected 28th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Cowan has developed at a slower pace but now appears poised to secure a top-six forward role in the NHL, potentially this season or soon. His NHL debut might come this year unless he’s traded, as the Leafs seek to fill the void left by Marner.
Marner remains supportive of Cowan, encouraging him after Cowan was sent back to the OHL following Maple Leafs training camp cuts last year. Marner advised him to “just go and have fun” and emphasized the chance to improve under the London Knights’ coaching staff, specifically mentioning coach Hunter. Cowan takes to heart advice about humility, stressing the importance of never taking anything for granted.
With Marner’s exit, the Maple Leafs now have an opening for a top-six winger. Cowan could potentially prove himself at camp and fill this gap, though the team has already traded other prospects and might use Cowan as trade leverage. Cowan remains focused on his development and making the NHL, viewing these transitions as part of the process.
Additionally, Marner was officially introduced as a Vegas Golden Knight at a press conference, while the Maple Leafs held their development camp featuring competitive moments among young players. Other related news includes Pontus Holmberg discussing his new contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Michael Petsetta signing a two-year deal with the Maple Leafs, fulfilling a childhood dream.
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Fan Take: This news highlights the cyclical nature of hockey careers, where veteran departures create opportunities for rising stars like Easton Cowan to shine. It underscores the importance of mentorship and development in building future NHL success and keeps fans eagerly watching the growth of tomorrow’s talents.
