The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ second training camp under Craig Berube is well underway, and Easton Cowan is looking to shoot for the stars at this season’s training camp.

He’s caught the attention of Auston Matthews, who is in his second season as Maple Leafs captain and looking to rebound after pushing through much of the 2024-25 season with an injury. While Matthews has the safest spot of anybody in the opening night lineup, the future is much less certain for Cowan. After carving out two solid training camps and being sent back to junior both times, the Maple Leafs’ top prospect is looking to crack the roster out of training camp, and if he can, a spot in the opening night lineup.

Matthews says that he’s seeing the same energy out of Cowan that everyone’s used to, but that he’s more of an imposing figure now.

“He looks bigger, he looks stronger,” Matthews told reporters following his group’s skate on Friday. “He’s always had confidence in his ability and who he is, to me it just looks like an evolved version of him. It’s been good to see.”

Cowan probably has the skill to play in the NHL right now, but considering the amount of forwards who are battling for roster spots, it’s going to take much more than skill to beat others out for a spot on the final roster. Matthews has taken note of the early intensity at training camp.

“It’s always good to kind of get the summer hockey habits out right away, just kind of get to competing,” Matthews continued. “Feel the bodies, feel the contact, feel the pressure, all that stuff….last year was a very competitive camp, this year’s been no different, it’s good to have that competition and just get right back into it, not be kinda one foot in one foot out.”

As for Matthews himself, head coach Craig Berube said he’s noticed that Matthews’ intensity is up compared to where he was last season.

“I see him, he’s more engaged. I think he’s feeling good,” Berube said. “He’s harder, heavier on pucks. You can see a little bit of difference out there.”

Matthews and the Maple Leafs will practice again on Saturday before visiting the Ottawa Senators for their first preseason game on Sunday afternoon.

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