Easton Cowan is back for another year of preseason hockey with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but this time things look a little different. Gearing up to make his pro debut this season, Cowan is looking to put his best foot forward to earn a spot in the NHL. The Leafs preseason campaign kicked off on Sunday with a team of mostly AHLers and prospects defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-3. After the game, Cowan shared what he thought of his performance.

“I felt good tonight,” he said. “Thought I played a good 200-foot game, created some chances when I could. We came out with the win, so that’s all that matters.”

Since being drafted 28th overall in the 2023 NHL entry draft, the 20-year-old winger has made multiple preseason appearances in the blue and white. Add to that experience a Memorial Cup win to wrap up his time in juniors, and a busy summer of training, and it’s clear there’s a lot more maturity in this young skater this year. And the Ontario-born prospect felt that experience as he hit the ice Sunday.

“I felt way more confident,” he said. “Good summer of training, that’s what you feel out there. It helps you out a lot. Thought I played pretty simple and played my game.”

Playing on the top line alongside Nick Robertson and David Kämpf, Cowan finished the night at +1 with one SOG and 14:19 TOI. While he didn’t register a point, Cowan’s hard work with the top line helped set up Robertson’s goal in the first period.

“Obviously two good players who’ve played in the NHL,” he said, of his linemates. “We ended up generating a goal there and a couple other chances too.”

He also showcased his improved physical game, which he’ll need to keep working on as he transitions to the highest level of the game.

With more preseason action to come, Cowan shared the lessons he’ll be taking from this first contest.

“Keep knowing when to attack and when to get it in deep,” he said. “There’s plays to be made out there, so I just gotta read that and that’ll get better over time.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice again Tuesday night as they host the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena.

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