Overview

• Cowan capped a strong camp with four preseason games featuring two assists, seven shots and a plus‑4 rating.
• Coach Craig Berube singled out the Lorentz–Laughton–Cowan unit as a positive, though Laughton’s injury has complicated fourth‑line center options.
• David Kämpf was placed on waivers despite the injury up the middle, underscoring the roster squeeze heading into final cuts.
• Analysts are split on starting Cowan on the fourth line versus assigning him to the Marlies for heavier minutes, with some advocating a tougher look against Montréal.
• Cowan’s waiver‑exempt status gives Toronto flexibility to keep him for the Oct. 8 opener and reassess later, and some commentators suggest his presence could pave the way for a Nick Robertson trade.