September 17, 2026 • 3:03 PM EDT
Updated 2 hours ago
The Toronto Maple Leafs got training camp underway and head coach Jim Hiller is already setting the tone for what he wants: high motor, relentless play, and work ethic. On the very first day, it was clear who fit that bill. Hiller couldn’t stop talking about 21-year-old Easton Cowan, who made his mark for being everywhere at once on the ice. If you’re wondering who’s grabbing early attention, it’s Cowan, and that matters for anyone trying to project the Leafs’ lineup and depth this season.
Cowan was dropped in on the right wing with Colton Sissons and Nick Paul, showing a real knack for chasing down pucks and always being in the thick of it. That’s not just praise for hustle, it’s an indication the coaching staff sees Cowan as more than a one-dimensional player. Hiller summed it up best with his choice words: If he had to pick one player who jumped out at him, it was Cowan. According to Yahoo Sports, Hiller said, “He makes some plays with the puck, but he was a puck hound. He was everywhere, I thought.”
That’s not about highlight-reel skill; it’s about shaping a role that really matters when jobs are on the line. Cowan has some NHL experience already. In his rookie year, he tallied 11 goals and 29 points in 66 games, averaging nearly 15 minutes per night. For a kid known for playmaking with the OHL’s London Knights, adding a “puck hound” mentality signals a leap in his defensive and forechecking value. That’s what earns trust in tight games and boosts your shot at taking on bigger minutes.
Hiller made it clear in his feedback: “We talked to him about that. He’s got tremendous skill, but where he can help us best is be a puck hound and then use that skill. And to me, he was all over the ice.” The message is simple. Skill is expected, but a relentless motor is what separates you at camp when jobs are scarce and expectations are sky high.
Why Cowan’s Energy Sets the Tone
Cowan’s play is more than just eye-catching. On a team looking for guys who can drive possession and press opponents into mistakes, being called a puck hound by your coach is a real badge of honor. It says Cowan’s not just skating to impress, he’s skating to stick in the everyday lineup.
For bettors and fans, that means don’t be surprised if Cowan takes on a bigger role this season, and perhaps outperforms his projection in both minutes and point totals if that role sticks.
Other Standouts at Camp
Hiller wasn’t done handing out praise after Cowan. In the second group, focused mostly on Toronto Marlies players, he called out Groulx, Lettieri, and Mermis for their professional approach and hard work. He said, “Those three were so dialled in and worked so hard and were complete pros out there… did they set the tone for this group.” To me, when a coach points to minor leaguers as tone-setters, he’s reminding everyone that no spot is free and anyone can rise if the effort matches the opportunity.
- Easton Cowan shone on day one for his relentless puck pursuit and strong two-way work.
- 11 goals and 29 points last season, with nearly 15 minutes average ice time, shows Cowan has already earned some trust.
- Groulx (13 games/3 goals for Leafs last year), Mermis (11 games/1 assist), and Lettieri (AHL playoff scoring leader) all were standouts among the Marlies group.
- Hiller is clearly rewarding work rate and professionalism as much as pure skill.
Key takeaways for bettors and Leafs followers
- Cowan is positioned to take on more responsibility if he keeps up this pace in camp.
- Players getting recognized for effort early usually hold down jobs or force their way into the lineup before October.
- If you’re looking at Leafs props or depth charts, keep an eye on Cowan’s preseason minutes and special teams test runs.
- Groulx, Mermis, and Lettieri might see time as injury fill-ins or surprise cuts, which could impact Marlies’ depth bets and call-up projections.
- Coaching language is telling here: Hiller wants relentless skaters, not just flashy scorers, making energy guys more valuable than ever in Toronto’s system.
- Don’t ignore minor league camp standouts; the Leafs’ injury history means new faces get meaningful chances as the season goes.
- The tone of this camp is about earning every shift. That drives competition and is worth factoring into any roster or performance-based betting preview.
More coverage: latest NHL news, our NHL betting analysis and today’s NHL picks.
Related stories
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only. We may earn a commission from affiliate links.
Login 
