We are just weeks away from the start of training camp and many members of the Toronto Maple Leafs have elected to head north to Muskoka to get in a workout while enjoying Ontario's cottage country.
Newly-minted Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, John Tavares and prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten were just some of the hockey players who took the ice in Muskoka to help out Muskoka Hockey and their hockey camp in Bracebridge, Ontario.
The camp, founded by NHLer Sam Gagner in 2020, aims to grow the game in the Muskoka region. Gagner, has many Leafs ties, having played in the organization as a member of the Toronto Marlies during the 2018-19 season.
Other NHLers that attended the camp offering in Muskoka include new Seattle Kraken defenseman and 2024 Stanley Cup winner Brandon Montour and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power.
One of the camp's instructors, Brady Leavold, posted about his experience working with Matthews on Instagram.
"I have the incredible privilege to be on the ice with some of the worlds best players on a regular basis during the summer months and this week that included arguably the greatest natural goal scorer to ever play the game @austonmatthewsThere’s no doubt that he’s a world class talent, but being good at hockey isn’t what impresses me. The way you treat someone and how you conduct yourself far out weighs one’s ability to play hockey, at least for me. Auston is first class through and through and that’s what impressed me. Appreciate you taking the time to chat with me and sign some things for people I care about 🖊️ 🙏🏻🤝(Okay maybe I was a little impressed with how good he is 🤣 it’s actually ridiculous 🔥 ) #mobrosThanks for the stick Papi 🏒 🙏🏻 this is one we will cherish for the collection. Best of luck this year,"
It's been a bit of an annual tradition for Tavares to host some Maple Leafs players at his Muskoka cottage in the summer so seeing them up in the area certainly isn't a surprise. Since Matthews was named as the team's new captain in a ceremony on August 14, he has pretty much stayed in the Ontario area, with the exception being a short trip to Montreal for a CCM event. Wearing the 'C'', it wouldn't be a surprise to see Matthews spend a higher proportion of his offseason near Toronto.
Seeing Cowan and Minten up with the guys is also a strong sign as both players will be in contention to try and win a spot in the Leafs' lineup out of camp. Minten was in the opening-night lineup last season and played in four games before returning to Junior. Now 20 years old, if Minten doesn't crack the lineup, he'd be eligible for the Toronto Marlies.
Cowan is a bit of a different story. After a decorated campaign with the London Knights that saw him become the most outstanding player in the OHL and playoff MVP, there isn't much for the 19-year-old to accomplish at the junior level. If he doesn't earn a spot in the Leafs lineup, the Marlies are not an option, due to his eligibility.
Minten and Cowan are expected to be options for the Leafs when they take on the Montreal Canadiens in a pair of rookie games in September just before training camp opens.
