Is Easton Cowan Primed For Breakout Season? Leafs Goaltending Debate
Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple LeafsShow Notes
Easton Cowan is being talked about as one of the NHL’s top breakout candidates — but there’s one major thing that could stand in the way of a huge season. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down Cowan’s opportunity heading into his second full NHL season, including why his current matchup-line role with Nick Paul and Colton Sissons could limit his offensive production. Can Cowan force his way into the Leafs’ top six, and what would a true breakout season look like for him? Then, the guys get into one of Toronto’s biggest questions heading into the season: who is actually the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 goaltender? Is Sergei Bobrovsky going to take the net and run with it, or should Toronto view him and Anthony Stolarz as a tandem? With Bobrovsky coming off another 50-plus-game season but entering his age-38 season, how much should the Leafs lean on him? Plus, the final preseason game, Morgan Rielly’s first game alongside Darren Raddysh, Matthew Knies’ breakout potential and more Leafs discussion.
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David Morassutti is joined by Frank Stanisci to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' thrilling 5-4 win over the New York Rangers, capped by Troy Stecher's late game-winning goal. They discuss the fourth line's outstanding performance, Brandon Duhaime and Teddy Blueger stepping up offensively, Zack MacEwen's energy, and Easton Cowan's continued development. Plus, they examine Gavin McKenna's limited ice time, what the Leafs' growing chemistry says about their evolving identity, and preview the Western Canadian road trip, starting with a major showdown against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
David Morassutti welcomes James from Offside Hockey Talk to discuss whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally turning the corner after a difficult start to the season. They examine Auston Matthews' improved play, the importance of building chemistry under a shortened preseason, and why Easton Cowan's emergence could make him too valuable to trade. Plus, a preview of the matchup against the New York Rangers, a debate over whether Nashville defenceman Brady Skjei would fit Toronto's plans, and the latest NHL discussion surrounding Brady Tkachuk and Connor Hellebuyck.
David Morassutti is joined by guest host Michael Mazzei to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving Toronto back-to-back victories. They discuss Easton Cowan's shorthanded goal and growing role, Morgan Rielly's three-assist performance, Kirill Marchenko's return to Columbus and Marshall Rifai scoring his first NHL goal. They also examine the encouraging update on Jake McCabe, the Leafs' strong penalty kill and their need to stay disciplined. The episode wraps up with NHL news, including Dylan Larkin's expanded trade list, Connor Hellebuyck's situation in Winnipeg and Brady Tkachuk's matchup against Florida.
David Morassutti breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, which snapped their three-game losing streak. He highlights Sergei Bobrovsky's best performance as a Leaf, Auston Matthews' three-point night, Nick Paul's strong two-way effort and Gavin McKenna's go-ahead goal. Despite the victory, Toronto's five-on-five defensive play remains a concern. David also previews the matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Kirill Marchenko facing his former team and Matthew Knies going up against the Leafs for the first time since the trade.
David Morassutti breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders as their losing streak reaches three games. He examines the team's defensive-zone breakdowns, explains why Sergei Bobrovsky shouldn't shoulder the blame, and discusses the struggles of Morgan Rielly and Troy Stecher. David also looks at Toronto's need for more depth scoring, Vinny Lettieri's potential call-up, and Elliotte Friedman's report that the Leafs are willing to move premium assets for a difference-maker on defence. The episode wraps up with a preview of the Sharks' visit to Toronto, featuring Macklin Celebrini.