OHL MVP Easton Cowan mentored by Toronto Maple Leafs forward embroiled in trade rumors

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified May 20, 2024 12:00 GMT

Both Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and forward Mitch Marner share a common achievement. They won the MVP award in the same competition.

Cowan has looked up to Marner and values the advice received from him. He's fresh, coming off a remarkable season in which he helped the London Knights win their fifth OHL title.

The 19-year-old forward wrapped up the postseason with 34 points garnered through 10 goals and 24 assists in 18 games. That earned him the MVP award in the playoffs.

Not only did he have a stellar postseason, but Cowan was also named the regular-season MVP and became the first player to win both MVPs since 2016.

Mitch Marner was the last player in the OHL to win both honors for the Knights. He's one of the focal points for the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into the offseason.

Moreover, the management has made it clear that they are open to exploring all options for this summer. That could involve asking Mitch Marner to waive his no-movement clause for a potential trade in the final year of his contract.

With the rumors surrounding Mitch Marner's potential trade in the summer, there has also been speculation about what it means for Easton Cowan's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to Nation Network's Nick Alberga, Cowan should not be considered untouchable in potential trade discussions.

Similarly, Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff identifies the Leafs prospect, along with Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Matthew Knies, as the only players that the Toronto Maple Leafs would hesitate to part ways with.

Considering his performances, Cowan has the potential to make a big notable impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, especially considering the team's salary cap and the need for depth.

It's going to be intriguing to see how he performs in the preseason, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him securing a roster spot following the training camp.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and newly appointed coach Craig Berube are gearing up for an eventful offseason. It will be intriguing to see if any of his bold moves involve Mitch Marner and Easton Cowan.

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Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan speaks highly of Mitch Marner

In a recent interview with TSN's Mark Masters, Cowan expressed his admiration for Marner, highlighting the impact the Leafs forward has had on him both on and off the ice.

He said (as quoted by theleafsnation.com):

“He texted me after I won the OHL MVP, he text me after winning the Western Conference, then he text me a couple of days ago after the MVP for the playoffs and then winning,” Cowan said of Marner via Masters. “I hear from him a lot. We text quite a bit so it’s pretty cool."

"He’s a great role model for me and like I said, it’s pretty cool when he’s texting you and it’s cool to win the same stuff he’s won.”

Marner and Cowan had an outstanding season in the OHL. Marner accumulated 116 points through 39 goals and 77 assists in 57 games during the 2016 season. In the playoffs, he notched up 44 points (16 goals and 44 points) in 18 games.

Meanwhile, Cowan garnered 96 points with 34 goals and 62 assists in 54 games. Additionally, he contributed 38 points in the 2024 playoffs. Easton Cowan and the London Knights are now gearing up for the Memorial Cup, which begins on May 24.