Head coach Craig Berube told reporters that rookie Easton Cowan is “close” to making his NHL debut but has not confirmed when that will be.
Cowan, 20, was rotating on the third line with Max Domi, Dakota Joshua, and Nick Robertson during Friday’s practice.
Berube said he liked what he saw on Friday but has yet to make any decisions on his lineup for Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
The 6-foot winger recorded two assists in five pre-season games this year.
Cowan recorded 29 goals and 69 points with the OHL’s London Knights last season and had three goals and seven points during the Memorial Cup tournament where he was named MVP.
The Maple Leafs used these lines during Friday’s practice, according to TSN’s Mark Masters:
