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Mission completed for Easton Cowan on Thursday evening.
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To an extent.
Hours earlier than he performed on a line with Mitch Marner and Max Domi within the Maple Leafs’ preseason recreation towards the Montreal Canadiens, Cowan had a objective in thoughts throughout his media availability after the morning skate: Play with a bit extra freedom and let his instincts, particularly on offence, lead.
That occurred at Scotiabank Area within the Leafs’ 2-1 win, as Cowan led Toronto forwards with six shot makes an attempt, together with three pictures on objective. Cowan was more practical and was across the web greater than he was within the Leafs’ earlier two preseason video games.
“I do know I nonetheless bought a bit extra in me, however I simply had extra confidence,” Cowan mentioned. “Felt like every little thing was clicking. I used to be shifting my toes a bit extra, created extra possibilities.”
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What’s the following step as Cowan tries to persuade coach Craig Berube that he’s deserving of a lineup spot on opening evening on Oct. 9, in Montreal?
Cowan was candid in what has to occur in his remaining preseason video games.
“I’ve to capitalize,” Cowan mentioned. “You are able to do all that for enjoyable, but when the puck doesn’t go within the web, it doesn’t matter, so I’ve to work on that. That takes follow and time, and extra endurance when I’ve the puck within the slot, and I’ll be taught to do this.”
Time is of the essence for the 19-year-old, although, fact be informed, it may not matter as soon as the pre-season is over. Making an allowance for the competitors for jobs in camp, it will be understood if Berube considers Nationwide Hockey League expertise as a deciding issue within the cuts that ultimately will come.
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A lot has been manufactured from the truth that it’s both the Leafs or the London Knights in 2024-25 for Cowan, however for individuals who determine he can’t do something extra in junior, do not forget that enjoying for coach Dale Hunter for an additional season in London wouldn’t precisely be a setback in Cowan’s growth. And Berube and Hunter are shut mates, so nothing could be missed of their conversations concerning Cowan and his development.
Berube preferred what he noticed in Cowan’s efficiency on Thursday agreeing with the concept that Cowan was letting it circulate a bit extra.
“Yeah, undoubtedly,” Berube mentioned. “I believed he had a very good recreation. Did lots of good issues. Skated with the puck. Was robust on it, received some battles. He hounded like I anticipated. He is an effective employee with ability. He had lots of vitality, was very noticeable.”
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The chemistry that Cowan had with Marner and Domi, former Knights he regarded as much as as a child, was clear. Preseason, sure, however Cowan didn’t get caught up in skating on a line with a few guys, significantly Marner, he idolized.
“Enjoying with them was one thing I’ll always remember, and undoubtedly grew up dreaming about it,” Cowan mentioned. “Elite expertise. You watch (Marner) all recreation and play after play, you may’t even describe how cool it’s to look at from the bench or if you’re on the ice with him. Domi is a heck of a participant too.
“There’s lots of depth at ahead, and I’m taking it daily like I’ve been saying, and having enjoyable with it.”
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