Maple Leafs’ performance raises concerns, but Easton Cowan offers hope for the future

The Toronto Maple Leafs misplaced 4-2 towards the Washington Capitals on Friday night time, persevering with their early-season struggles. 

But, there’s lastly cause for optimism — the primary in fairly some time — and it’s Easton Cowan who’s main the cost. On a workforce that was urgently searching for offensive solutions, Cowan has inserted himself into the highest six with out wanting inferior.

{That a} rookie is beginning to generate high-danger possibilities naturally is already information. However he additionally seems to be snug on the second line, giving Craig Berube a useful resource he won’t have anticipated. He has seven factors in 16 video games, however this stat doesn’t seize different methods he influences the sport: his studying of the play, timing for attacking house and budding chemistry along with his linemates. Toronto wanted a top-six winger and has discovered one with out shedding belongings or mortgaging the long run.

How Easton Cowan modifications the Maple Leafs’ aggressive panorama

Cowan’s stage helps the items fall into place round him. With that line now stabilized, the entrance workplace can concentrate on the remainder of the roster. Transferring expendable contracts, adjusting roles, rebalancing the underside six.

The notion that Max Domi may change into dispensable just isn’t a gratuitous stunt. It’s a consequence of the offense now not counting on stopgaps. Having already moved on from David Kampf, the entrance workplace might use that very same rationale to reassess the roles of Matias Maccelli or Calle Jarnkrok. Strikes like that will open up the cap house wanted to fill the holes of their roster.

Essentially the most priceless factor is that his influence doesn’t rely upon numbers or any streak of percentages. Cowan is solely profitable his duels, creating mismatches and pushing possessions that finish close to the crease. 

Toronto didn’t anticipate to have a rookie who already produces high quality minutes, however it’s a greater than nice shock. His emergence raises the aggressive ceiling, and there was no must have an effect on the cap.

Cowan is a cause to be excited.