NHL
Toronto Maple LeafsOpens in new window
Easton CowanOpens in new window

Cowan recalled by Maple Leafs but scratched for opener

Published: 

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 04: Easton Cowan #53 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates up ice against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of a pre-season game at Little Caesars Arena on October 4, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) (Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled forward Easton Cowan from the AHL on Wednesday morning ahead of tonight’s regular-season opener against the Montreal Canadiens but he will not play.

Cowan joined the team’s optional skate on Wednesday and remained on the ice with Philippe Myers and Sammy Blais, signalling he will be a healthy scratch against the Canadiens.

“He’s up here with us, we’re happy about that. He’s here,” said Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube of Cowan.

The 20-year-old was sent to the AHL on Monday afternoon after the team announced their opening day roster and he was not on it. Forward Jacob Quillan was sent to the Marlies with Cowan’s recall.

With the OHL’s London Knights last season, he had 29 goals and 69 points in 46 games before adding 13 goals and 39 points in 17 playoff games, helping the Knights to second straight OHL championship.

Cowan then led London to a Memorial Cup title, scoring three goals and seven points as he captured the Stafford Smythe Trophy as tournament MVP.

The 28th overall pick by Toronto in 2023, Cowan has yet to make his NHL debut.