Sep 25, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan (53) carries the puck past Ottawa Senators forward Angus Crookshank (59) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has a pretty direct path to the NHL if he follows in the footsteps of another young breakout sensation: Logan Stankoven.There’s a lot of hype surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top prospect in Easton Cowan. After a sensational career with the London Knights, capped off with a Memorial Cup victory, the next stop is the NHL and being potentially the next Mitch Marner.

However his path to the NHL isn’t exactly clear, and with the Maple Leafs stocking up on some smaller depth talent, and looking to add a top-six player, it seems like Cowan may need a year or two in the AHL before making the leap.

Easton Cowan’s career should try to parallel Hurricanes star’s

Though, if he plays his cards right he would be able to replicate another junior success who exploded this season, that being Logan Stankoven. The 22-year old only had 24 games under his belt before this year, but managed to put up 38 points in 78 games (14 goals, 24 assists).

Stankoven was traded to Carolina this season as part of the Mikko Rantanen blockbuster deal, and is poised to be one of the Hurricanes’ brightest stars for years to come.

His journey to the NHL wasn’t one that came right away either, as he had a full season with the Texas Stars, Dallas’ AHL affiliate. In 47 games he put up 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) and earned himself a spot in the Stars lineup in 2024-25.

Won’t be long until Easton Cowan debuts however

Looking at Cowan, a player who is younger than Stankoven and is poised to be an integral part of the Marlies, if he can replicate even half of his OHL output, he’ll be fast-tracked to the Leafs.

In his 175 games total with the London Knights, Cowan registered 220 points though it was the last two seasons where he really shined. He had 165 points (63 goals, 102 assists) in 100 games, plus he won pretty much every award he could from season MVP to playoff MVP and finally the Memorial Cup.Given the Maple Leafs lost Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese this season, Cowan is more than likely going to play in the top-six and get ample opportunity to showcase his skills, and might even earn that coveted early season call-up with a strong training camp.

While there’s no guarantees that Cowan will end up a superstar, the future is certainly bright. If he can follow in the footsteps of Stankoven and capitalize on a strong AHL season, the only thing left is the NHL.

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