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Toronto Maple Leafs could be forced to trade Easton Cowan to address needs
Maple Leafs Could Consider Trading Top Prospect Easton Cowan to Fill Team Needs
The Toronto Maple Leafs face a tough decision as they might need to trade their top prospect, Easton Cowan, to address their immediate team needs.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Easton Cowan from the London Knights in the draft, many fans were puzzled, questioning the choice. Initially perceived as an unusual pick, Cowan's performance over the past year has proven otherwise. He has risen to prominence, becoming the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) MVP and achieving one of the longest scoring streaks in the league's history. Now, Cowan is aiming to join the Maple Leafs as soon as this season.
The Maple Leafs are under pressure to win within the next four years, the duration of Auston Matthews' contract. Despite efforts during free agency, the team still has several gaps to fill. Jonas Siegel from The Athletic highlighted today that with limited selections in the upcoming draft, Toronto might need to trade some of their current assets to strengthen their roster.
One problem GM Brad Treliving will face on that front (still): a lack of trade ammunition.
The Leafs have only one pick in the first four rounds of the 2025 draft at the moment, and it's a second they acquired from Florida at last month's draft. Their most attractive pick to move is a first in 2026. Another top trade asset, potentially: Easton Cowan.
The Leafs have only one pick in the first four rounds of the 2025 draft at the moment, and it's a second they acquired from Florida at last month's draft. Their most attractive pick to move is a first in 2026. Another top trade asset, potentially: Easton Cowan.
Trading Easton Cowan is not a decision the Leafs would take lightly. However, given the team's win-now mentality, they might have to consider a significant trade to bolster their forward group. The potential departure of Cowan comes with high risks, but it could be necessary to solidify the team's lineup for immediate success.
The critical question remains: does Cowan have the potential to make an immediate impact, or should the Maple Leafs focus on short-term solutions.
Source: Jonas Siegel
Ten thoughts on the Toronto Maple Leafs
Ten thoughts on the Toronto Maple Leafs
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 8 | 44 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs could be forced to trade Easton Cowan to address needs Does Cowan have what it takes to make an impact now or are the Maple Leafs better served to look short-term? | ||
| Keep Easton Cowan | 22 | 50 % |
| Trade him for immediate help | 9 | 20.5 % |
| Depends on the return | 13 | 29.5 % |
| List of polls | ||