Overview

• Head coach Craig Berube said Cowan is ready for NHL duty, citing his constant work rate, speed and high hockey IQ.
• Cowan played five of six preseason games and logged 19:10 in the finale, contributing two assists without a goal.
• Scott Laughton is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury, creating an additional lineup spot as Toronto finalizes decisions.
• Competition for forward roles remains active with Cowan in the mix alongside Nick Robertson and veterans such as Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf.
• Cowan is waiver-exempt, giving the team flexibility to start him in the NHL and return him within nine games without burning a contract year.