Rookie Easton Cowan scored a goal and almost had another on a penalty shot in his pre-season debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday.
The 2023 first-round pick also had an assist as the Maple Leafs fell to the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in overtime.
Cowan’s goal came on the power play and made the score 2-1 Ottawa mid-way through the first period. After the Maple Leafs bounced around the perimeter with some quick passes, Noah Gregor found Cowan alone in the slot where he buried a quick one-time shot.
Cowan’s assist came later in the frame when he deflected a point-shot from Topi Niemela, with the puck then hitting Joseph Blandisi before crossing the line.
Cowan ultimately finished with 16:29 of ice time, fifth amongst all Maple Leafs forwards in the game. Afterwards, head coach Sheldon Keefe said Cowan’s performance has earned him a longer look in camp.
“He was outstanding,” Keefe said. “… Every time he got out there he was making something happen.”
The Maple Leafs will return to pre-season action Wednesday at home against the Buffalo Sabres.