The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their summer development camp without top prospect Easton Cowan or fellow forward Landon Sim on the ice, opting to limit both players to off-ice work after heavy workloads during the 2024-25 season. Cowan, 20, logged more than 100 games while leading the London Knights to an Ontario Hockey League title and earning Memorial Cup MVP honours on 1 June. Assistant general manager of player development Hayley Wickenheiser said the decision allows Cowan to regain weight lost during the season and focus on strength training ahead of training camp in September. Cowan enters camp viewed internally as a strong contender for an opening-night roster spot, particularly after the departures of Mitch Marner and Fraser Minten created forward vacancies. “I have the chance to get a job, and that’s up to me to show what I can do,” the 2023 first-round pick said. Wickenheiser added that Cowan’s NHL skills are clear but stressed puck management and conditioning as the final hurdles. “The money’s on him that he’ll be fit enough and prepared enough,” she said, adding that his readiness will be evident once main camp starts.