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Brad Treliving called out for mishandling Easton Cowan


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Alexander Cole
February 6, 2026  (1:13 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Easton Cowan (53) reacts after scoring the game winning goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during overtime at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan has had some ups and downs this season, but if one thing is certain, it is that the Leafs are mismanaging him.

Easton Cowan has 17 points in 43 games this season, and prior to the Olympic break, he found himself in the press box.
There have been some growing pains for the forward, and the Leafs' management has certainly made some mistakes with his development.
For instance, going into the Olympics, Cowan remains on the Leafs' roster, despite the fact that the Toronto Marlies are still playing games.
The AHL is in session, and Cowan should be with the Marlies, getting reps and developing his skills at the professional level.

Easton Cowan malpractice hits the Maple Leafs

In the eyes of some fans, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and more specifically, general manager Brad Treliving, are engaging in organizational malpractice.
Brad Treliving should be fired for letting Easton Cowan take the break instead of getting him some heavy minutes and more seasoning in the AHL
It would make sense for the fans to feel this way, all things considered. At the end of the day, the team should be giving Cowan some time to play.
In a few weeks from now, the Maple Leafs will return, and Cowan will be falling behind, for something that is no fault of his own.
At the end of the day, the Leafs are in an interesting position with Cowan, and they cannot squander someone who is so talented.
Moving forward, it will be very interesting to see if the Maple Leafs are able to rectify this situation and get themselves back on track.
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Brad Treliving called out for mishandling Easton Cowan

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