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Why Have the Maple Leafs Wasted Easton Cowan’s Rookie Year?

Easton Cowan’s talent is clear, but the Maple Leafs aren’t giving him the ice time to shine. Is this rookie being held back?

by
Old Prof
February 3, 2026

Easton Cowan has been one of the more curious stories for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. After absolutely tearing it up in juniors, where he was basically carrying his team on every shift, you’d expect him to jump into the NHL and make a big impact right away. So far, that hasn’t really happened.

Now, I get it. Jumping from juniors to the NHL is huge. Actually, it’s almost a whole different game. No surprise that Cowan has made some defensive mistakes and taken a few penalties that ended in power-play goals against. That’s normal for a rookie.

Still, you get the sense he’s not being set up to really show off. Feels like he’s just there to fill space while the vets take center stage.

Cowan Is a Top-Six Talent, But He’s Getting Third-Line Minutes

Right now, Cowan is mostly on the third or fourth line, sometimes playing nine minutes a night if he’s lucky. Often, he’s even been a healthy scratch. He’s got seven goals and ten assists in 43 games. That’s neither good nor bad, depending on how you look at it.

Still, it doesn’t tell the full story. His vision, his passing, his ability to read the play. All that suggests top-six ability. So why isn’t he getting the chance to actually do that?

Berube clearly leans on veterans and seems a bit wary of giving rookies bigger roles. But when Cowan has played higher up, he’s looked dangerous, even if mistakes happen. That’s just part of learning. If he never gets consistent opportunities, how is he supposed to grow?

Easton Cowan Maple Leafs future — Easton Cowan of the Maple Leafs hasn’t had a good rookie season. Is it his fault?

Maybe the Marlies Were Better for Him, Who Knows?

Honestly, if Berube isn’t going to give Cowan a top-six spot, maybe he should have just been sent down to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. There, he could play first-line minutes, run the first power-play unit, and really develop his offensive game against men, not just juniors.

With the Marlies, he’d get ice time, make mistakes, and actually build some confidence. Sitting frustrated on the Maple Leafs’ bench or in a limited role isn’t going to help him much.

Cowan’s first year in the NHL doesn’t have to set the tone for his career, but right now, how he’s being handled matters. The Maple Leafs have to decide whether to give him a real shot or keep him on the bench in limited minutes. Either way, it’s hard not to get frustrated.