Easton Cowan and Ben Danford don’t top the Leafs’ prospect list anymore. They’re not jealous - Toronto Star

Both sing the praises of McKenna, who spends his first day on a line with Nylander and Tavares.

Easton Cowan had 11 goals and 18 assists in 66 games with the Leafs last season, getting better as the season wore on.

The last time winger Easton Cowan and defenceman Ben Danford were on the ice together in a game that mattered, one handed the other the Calder Cup.

The two were teammates on a magical run by the AHL Marlies. Cowan was loaned from the Maple Leafs to get post-season experience. Danford was called up after his junior season ended.

“Winning is a privilege, that’s for sure,” Danford said.

The landscape around them changed over the summer, with the two supplanted as the organization’s top prospects when the Leafs drafted Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick.

Now it’s the 18-year-old McKenna, not the 21-year-old Cowan or 20-year-old Danford, who is getting all the attention. Does Cowan miss it?

“Nope,” he said after the team’s first on-ice session Thursday. “I just go out there and play my game. (McKenna) is a special player. He’ll be great for us.”

“That’s not the case at all,” he said. “Gavin and I hit it off and are really close. He’s a great guy.”

Leafs coach Jim Hiller ended the speculation about who plays where on the first day of on-ice training. McKenna landed the second-line left-winger’s role with John Tavares and William Nylander.

“Feels good knowing that the staff has confidence in me in putting me with those types of player,” McKenna said. “It was fun being out there with them. They’re both supersmart players. John’s a workhorse and Willie is so skilled.”

McKenna impressed, beating Chris Tanev one-on-one.

“I thought Tanev was going to contain him,” Hiller said. “He had him in the corner. But I saw (McKenna) just dance away and do a nice little backhand pass.”

Captain Auston Matthews and winger Matthew Knies were joined by free-agent right winger Jack Roslovic on the top line.

“Auston really likes Rosie’s game,” Hiller said. “He likes the skill, how he can complement him, carry the puck through the neutral zone.”

Cowan landed on the third line, with Nick Paul and Colton Sissons, but he’s far from an afterthought.

“You can say it’s a checking line, but I see it as more than that,” said Hiller. “That’s a line that should be able to play against the other team’s best players, but also push them offensively because those three can score goals.

“And Easton can be the straw that stirs the drink.”

Hiller felt Cowan had an outstanding first day.

“He made some plays with the puck, and he’s a puck hound,” the coach said. “He was everywhere. He’s got tremendous skill. He’s all over the ice.”

Cowan had 11 goals and 18 assists in 66 games with the Leafs as a rookie. Coach Craig Berube used him sparingly at first, often scratching him. Cowan’s game grew and he exploded in the AHL playoffs, with eight goals and 10 assists in 22 games.

“It was good to get some pro experience in the playoffs,” said Cowan, who checked in about five pounds heavier this season. “I’m coming in with a bit more confidence. I feel bigger, stronger. I felt good today. It was good to be out there with the guys, see some smiles, make some plays and work hard.”

He and Danford became good friends last spring, living together. They talked every day over the summer. Each had their day with the Calder Cup. Cowan had an autograph signing in Strathroy, Ont., then brought it to the family farm outside London.

Danford was back in Madoc, Ont., with the trophy at the family home.

“It was a Tuesday, so it was chill. Family and friends.”

While Cowan is a lock for the opening night, Danford is a long shot. He was on the third pair with Emil Andrae, perhaps only in the main group because Morgan Rielly (virus) was absent. Still, he got the call ahead of more familiar faces like Philippe Myers, Marshall Rifai and Dakota Mermis.

His spring run with the Marlies (a goal and two assists in 16 games) loaded him with confidence.

“I feel like my game translated well to the pro level,” he said. “That kept my confidence high.”

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Kevin McGran is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow him on Bluesky @kevinmcgran