The 19-year-old will return to London in hopes of capturing a World Juniors gold medal and a Memorial Cup.
The 19-year-old will return to London in hopes of capturing a World Juniors gold medal and a Memorial Cup.
Easton Cowan is headed back to junior for another year.
The Maple Leafs announced that the 19-year-old forward would be returning to the OHL's London Knights for the 2024-25 season on Monday.
Cowan played in five of Toronto's pre-season games and registered two assists. The forward struggled to stand during Maple Leafs training camp as he attempted to make the team.
It often appeared he was very timid with the puck, which isn't the type of game he played in junior. Cowan is strong in the offensive zone and can often be found being a hound for the puck.
Early in training camp, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube wanted to see Cowan eliminate the "junior habits" from his game. That appeared to be the case as pre-season went on, but with a strong lineup already, it was difficult for the young forward to stand out.
Cowan returns to the Knights as they try to push for a second straight Memorial Cup Final appearance. The young forward had 34 goals and 62 assists for 96 points in 54 games and was also named the OHL's MVP. Cowan scored 10 goals and 24 assists in 18 playoff games.
He'll also likely take on a larger role with Team Canada at the World Juniors later this year and hopes to win a gold medal on home soil.
Cowan was picked in the first round (28th overall) by the Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Draft.
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