NHL Rumors: Should Maple Leafs Consider Easton Cowan Trade?

Trade speculation surrounding Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan has surged following his disappointing performance at the 2025 World Junior Championship. 

Cowan, expected to be a key player for Team Canada, managed just three points in five games as the team suffered a second straight quarterfinal exit. 

Former Sportsnet personality Sid Seixeiro believes the Leafs should explore trading Cowan while his value remains intact. 

“If I’m the Leafs, Easton Cowan is no longer off the table ahead of this year’s trade deadline,” Seixeiro said. “He still has a lot of value, but Toronto might have to cash that chip sooner rather than later.”

“I think it’s bananas to give up on, someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.”

🚨🎙️ @FriedgeHNIC on Easton Cowan:

“I know Cowan really struggled the last couple of weeks, but I think you’re insane if you’re giving up on this kid based on two bad weeks. I see… pic.twitter.com/Nnri4Z8w12

— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) January 3, 2025

However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman urged caution, arguing that moving on from Cowan based on a brief slump would be a mistake. 

“I think you’re insane if you’re giving up on this kid based on two bad weeks,” Friedman said. He emphasized that Cowan’s trade value is currently at its lowest and pointed to Toronto’s lack of depth in its prospect pipeline as a reason to keep him. 

Despite the criticism from some corners, Cowan has been dominant in the OHL with the London Knights, recording a historic 56-game point streak that showcases his potential as a future NHL contributor.

This season, he has 15 goals and 28 total points across 20 games played in the OHL.

Man these are teenagers. Not pros. Not smartest play but disgrace to hockey? Go kick your cat https://t.co/bN8RJZ3InJ

— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) January 3, 2025

Easton Cowan flying in and ripping a shot with Oliver Bonk wide open on the backdoor sums up this tournament for Cowan and Team Canada. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/t7Bh58hndG

— Jeff Middleton (@jjmid04) January 3, 2025

Cowan’s recent struggles at the World Juniors have fueled debate over whether to use him as a trade chip to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. 

While some argue that trading him now would maximize value, others believe the Leafs should take a long-term approach, allowing Cowan time to develop and prove he can deliver at the NHL level.

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images