The 19-year-old is using the prospect camp to showcase himself ahead of Maple Leafs training camp next week.
Easton Cowan will do everything he can to make the Toronto Maple Leafs out of training camp this year but understands it'll be challenging.
The 19-year-old and 25 other players are participating in Maple Leafs rookie camp this week before they head to Montreal this weekend for a two-game Prospect Showdown against the Canadiens.
These next few days will be Cowan's opportunity to showcase his skillset — which could be good enough for the NHL — before Toronto's training camp begins next week.
"I think I'm just going to take it day by day. Show my skill, show my compete ethic, and just have fun out there," the forward said about what he wants to show this week and take into Maple Leafs training camp.
"You're at an NHL training camp, rookie camp. You're meeting new guys and same guys from last year — some of them — so it's just a great experience and I'm just looking to take it day by day."
Even playing alongside, and against, some of Toronto's top prospects is challenging. However, the next step on the ladder, an NHL training camp, will be an even larger feat.
Cowan, though, is raving about the challenge ahead.
"A lot of good players. Obviously, the NHL's a tough league, so I'm just excited for the challenge, and like I said, it's just going to be my day-by-day mentality."
The young forward can only play in two leagues in the upcoming season: In the NHL with Toronto, or the OHL with the London Knights. Unlike his teammate and good friend Fraser Minten, there's no going down to the AHL if he doesn't make the NHL squad.
With that said, does Cowan believe this next season is NHL or bust?
"No, not really. I think I'm just going to give it my all. Play my game, do my thing. Just have fun out there. Be a happy kid," he said, "and I'll trust what they think they should do with me and just trust the process like I've always been doing."
One area that could help him make the Maple Leafs out of camp this year is that he's already been through an NHL training camp and knows what to expect from the next one that's approaching.
"I definitely have a better understanding coming into cap here. Last year, I didn't really know what to expect and this year I do," Cowan said.
"I had a week off last week in Washington and kind of let my body regroup, and [I was] back at it Monday. I just felt good on the ice and in the gym. I feel a bit stronger and faster, so it obviously helped a lot."
Cowan admitted that he's grown over the summer — both in height and size. The forward said he grew an inch and added about two or three pounds in muscle. His goal is to remain at a consistent weight of 180 lbs.
"Probably like an inch. I'd say I'm like 5-11 and a half now. I'd like to say six foot, but I can't yet. Maybe with shoes on," the forward said with a grin when asked how much taller he's grown.
The increase in size will not only help him in the NHL training camp and keep up with the bigger and faster game, but it will also allow him to showcase himself more at Toronto's rookie camp this week.
Cowan believes the area of his game that'll benefit the most from adding size is when he goes into the corners with opponents.
"As a winger, you get into a lot of puck battles along the boards, and those are crucial in any type of game," Cowan said. "It's just getting those pucks out and being a bit stronger that'll help a lot."
Cowan skated alongside Minten and Nikita Grebenkin during the first rookie skate, and it appears the three will remain together throughout the rest of the prospect camp. This week is an opportunity for all three players, Cowan, Minten, and Grebenkin, to showcase themselves before the real thing begins next week.
"He's an exciting player. A first-round pick. I'm sure he has expectations coming in and trying to make a difference. But what I notice from him the most is you can tell he loves being on the ice. He's got that personality where he wants the puck and he wants to be a difference maker," Marlies head coach John Gruden, who's overseeing the prospect camp, said of Cowan.
"He just looks more of a man. He's stronger. He's got that little bit more of a pop. That year (from the last rookie camp to this one) makes a huge difference, especially playing for a great team and organization with the London Knights. So yeah, he looks strong."
