Every season, a rookie shows up who doesn’t quite make headlines but steadily earns your attention. This year, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rookie, Easton Cowan. His stat line won’t knock anyone out of their seat, but the youngster has put together a solid first look in the NHL. He hasn’t been handed prime minutes or easy linemates, yet he’s managed to stay above water — and even flash a little upside that the Maple Leafs would be smart not to ignore.

Cowan’s year has been about learning, adjusting, and maximizing opportunities. Seven goals and ten assists in 43 games don’t tell the whole story. What they do show is a young player who works, thinks the game well, and is starting to figure out how to survive — and maybe thrive — at this level.

Here’s how his season shakes out so far. Let’s break down his performance across several areas.

Cowan’s Scoring Impact: B-

Cowan’s numbers aren’t loud, but they’re respectable for a kid playing around 13 minutes a night. His shooting percentage (10.8%) tells you he can create and finish plays, even if he’s not generating chances in bulk yet. With more ice time, especially with skilled linemates, you could easily see this bump up.

Right now? A steady B-.

Cowan’s Playmaking & IQ: B

Even when he’s not on the scoresheet, he reads the game well. He finds decent pockets, doesn’t panic with the puck, and usually makes the right choice. You can see there’s a playmaker in there — he just hasn’t had the runway to show it consistently.

A solid B for hockey sense and decision-making.

Cowan’s Defensive Responsibility: B+

The +2 rating jumps out for a rookie in sheltered minutes. He tracks back, doesn’t cheat for offence, and seems committed to doing things right. Coaches notice that stuff. It’s probably why he’s stayed in the lineup even when the points dry up.

Give him a B+ here.

Cowan’s Usage & Opportunity: C

This one isn’t on him. Thirteen minutes a night on a lower line doesn’t leave many chances to take over a game. Most top rookies get far more rope — power-play looks, offensive starts, and actual scoring linemates. Cowan hasn’t had that.

Grade: C, and that’s being kind to the coaching decisions.

Cowan’s Overall Grade with the Maple Leafs: B

For what he’s been given, Cowan has delivered. He hasn’t blown anyone away, but he hasn’t looked out of place for a second. There’s a foundation here — smart, steady, coachable. With more minutes and a role that lets him stretch his legs, he could turn this into something a lot more impressive.

Right now? A good, honest B. The kind of season you build on. If he begins to get the opportunities he deserves, the Maple Leafs may have found a gem.