Maple Leafs Make Unexpected Decision With Top Prospect Easton Cowan

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been off to an up-and-down start in 2025/26, as they beat the Montreal Canadiens in their season opener before falling 6-3 on Saturday night to another division rival in the Detroit Red Wings.

However, there's been one big story dominating the headlines in Toronto, with fans wondering when top prospect Easton Cowan could make his NHL debut, as some analysts have blasted the Maple Leafs for their treatment of the former first-round pick.

Now, it appears as though things are changing on the back of the Maple Leafs' loss to Detroit, as Easton Cowan is reportedly set to finally make his NHL debut on Monday when the two teams do battle once more.

Not only that, but reports from Maple Leafs practice on Sunday have revealed a shock role for Cowan, who was seen skating alongside Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, suggesting his debut will come on the top line.

As a result, this is what the Maple Leafs forward group looks like after they were blown away by the Red Wings on the road on Saturday evening:

This would be a major shift for Cowan, who spent the first two games of the season in the press box, but now he's set for a major role in the Maple Leafs top-six, and if he thrives in this role, this could end up being a very dynamic top line in Toronto.