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Easton Cowan delivered a standout performance on Wednesday night, setting up Toronto’s opening goal and then scoring the game-winner as the Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders 2-1. The victory gave Toronto its first win of the season and signaled that the 21-year-old winger has firmly established himself at the NHL level.
Cowan’s Calder Cup Run Pays Dividends
Cowan’s strong start follows a remarkable postseason run with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, who hoisted the Calder Cup in June. During those playoffs, the Mount Brydges, Ontario native recorded eight goals and 10 assists across 22 games. He also picked up an assist in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
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“Any time you’re playing pro in the playoffs helps a lot,” Cowan said. “A lot of confidence heading into this year.” That confidence has clearly carried over into the new NHL season.
Defenceman Morgan Rielly noticed the growth firsthand. “I don’t know what it is, but you could tell at the end of last year he was growing his game a lot,” Rielly said. “He was displaying a lot of poise and really making plays and holding on to the puck. He’s been outstanding. Right from the start of camp, he’s taken his game to that next level.”
Teammates and Coaches Take Notice
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who made 26 saves in Wednesday’s win, described the change in Cowan as “night and day.” Stolarz added that Cowan’s defensive game and penalty-killing contributions reflect genuine maturity. “The best thing for him was going down to the AHL and getting a taste of that playoff action,” Stolarz said. “He carried that confidence into the summer. He’s playing a huge role on this team so far.”
First-year head coach Jim Hiller also praised Cowan’s work ethic and mindset. “I just like his trajectory and how mentally he really wants it,” Hiller said. “When I see him getting to the rink early and stretching and eating and then going into the gym, that tells me he’s on the right path.”
The six-foot, 189-pound winger — selected 28th overall at the 2023 draft — has settled into Toronto’s third line alongside newcomers Nick Paul and Colton Sissons. Both players joined the Maple Leafs as part of a summer roster overhaul. On Wednesday, Cowan earned a secondary assist on the first goal when Sissons redirected a Paul pass, then later scored the decisive goal himself after Rielly knocked down a clearing attempt on a Toronto power play.
“Sky’s the limit with that kid,” Sissons said. “He’s got all the potential in the world.”
New Faces Reshape the Locker Room
Cowan says the energy inside Toronto’s dressing room feels fresh. “Some young juice and some veterans, it goes a long way,” he said. “We just want to keep it going.”
One notable addition to the coaching staff is Ottawa Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson, who joined head coach Hiller as an associate this summer. Alfredsson spent three seasons in Ottawa as an assistant before making the move to Toronto. His arrival raised eyebrows given his prominent role in the Battle of Ontario rivalries of the early 2000s.
Nick Paul, a Mississauga native, joked that he wasn’t sure how Leafs fans would react when Alfredsson appeared inside Scotiabank Arena before Tuesday’s game. “I didn’t know if it was going to be boos or cheers,” Paul said. However, Paul quickly praised Alfredsson’s value as a coach. “With players like that, they see the ice different and see plays different. He’s a great coach, he’s a great person, and he’s got everyone’s back.”
McKenna Still Searching for First NHL Point
Meanwhile, top overall pick Gavin McKenna went scoreless for the second consecutive game. The 18-year-old winger had several good chances, including one that nearly produced a William Nylander goal in the third period. Hiller said he saw improvement from the teenager. “I thought he was better,” the coach said. “We talked about taking a step and he has to each time.”
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Cowan. His early-season form suggests that his Calder Cup experience was exactly the foundation he needed to take his game to the next level in Toronto.
