The Toronto Maple Leafs face a new chapter as they prepare for the upcoming season following the departure of Mitch Marner, one of the team’s cornerstone players. Amid the reshuffling, 20-year-old Easton Cowan, fresh off a Memorial Cup victory with the London Knights, has emerged as a player drawing <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL analyst Steven Ellis’ attention for his potential fit with the Maple Leafs, particularly in a style comparison to forward Matthew Knies.
Easton Cowan’s Style Draws Parallels to Matthew Knies, According to NHL Analyst
On the Leafsnation podcast with Zack Phillips, Steven Ellis highlighted notable similarities between Easton Cowan and Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. Ellis emphasized Cowan’s aggressive pursuit of the puck and his relentless playing style, which mirror qualities Knies has displayed since breaking into the team.
You see some of the same similarities or some of the same traits, I should say, that you see in Matthew Knies, that you see in Easton Cowan. The way that he’s always trying to attack for pucks.
—Steven Ellis, NHL Prospect Analyst
Ellis points out that both players bring a physical and persistent approach that adds value beyond just scoring points. Knies is known for being one of the Maple Leafs’ toughest forwards, contributing physicality that the team previously lacked in certain situations. Cowan’s speed, skill, and drive to take the puck away set the foundation for a similar role.
…when he really wants the puck, he’s going to take it off you because he’s always chasing. He’s got that speed to make it work, and he’s got that offensive skill.
—Steven Ellis, NHL Prospect Analyst
Easton Cowan’s Achievements Highlight His Readiness for a Higher Level
Cowan has recently closed out a dominant junior campaign with the London Knights, capturing the Memorial Cup on June 1. He led all OHL players with 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) over 17 playoff games and earned MVP honors by tallying three goals and four assists in five Memorial Cup games. These accomplishments reflect Cowan’s offensive abilities as well as his growing physical presence on the ice.
The Broader Role Cowan Could Play With the Maple Leafs
While Ellis does not expect Cowan to evolve into a top point scorer like Mitch Marner, he envisions Cowan providing the Maple Leafs with solid secondary scoring combined with valuable defensive contributions. This includes physical play and special teams involvement such as penalty killing.
He’s not going to be a massive point guy in the NHL. I don’t expect him to get 80 points in the NHL, but could he get you 65 points? Maybe. And do these other things that make him very valuable… like go out there and be physical and play on the penalty kill? Yes. That’s where a lot of that value comes from.
—Steven Ellis, NHL Prospect Analyst
The 20-year-old’s physical development and improved offensive skills align with what the Maple Leafs need after Marner’s exit. However, questions remain over how smoothly Cowan will transition to the NHL level and whether he can replicate his junior success against tougher competition.
Implications for the Maple Leafs’ Upcoming Season
The Maple Leafs are entering the season with some uncertainty about how their roster will compensate for Marner’s departure. Cowan’s aggressive style and tenacity, coupled with the comparisons to Knies, offer a hopeful but cautious outlook for Toronto fans. His ability to contribute both offensively and physically could provide the team with much-needed depth and versatility.
How Easton Cowan adapts to NHL play will be closely watched, as the Maple Leafs look to blend youthful energy with experienced talent to remain competitive. If Cowan fulfills the promise observed by analysts like Steven Ellis, he could become a key component in Toronto’s lineup and help shape the team’s future success.