Toronto Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan emerges as a trade target

The Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing to upgrade their roster in pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship. This offseason many expected big changes to the roster. So far the biggest things to change are the signing of Chris Tanev and loss of Tyler Bertuzzi.

These decisions by Brad Treliving have strengthened the Toronto Maple Leafs defensive unit which was much needed. However, it came at the expense of losing a top-six forward in Tyler Bertuzzi. Now a new report has suggested the team might acquire Tyler Bertuzzi's replacement in a trade.

In a new story, Maple Leafs writer Jonas Siegel says that he believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could use both Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson as trade pieces.

In the case of Nick Robertson, this is not much of a surprise. He has requested to be moved to a new team which only gives the Maple Leafs two options. Either find a way to play Nick Robertson significant minutes or trade him.

For Easton Cowan things are a little less cut and dry. He can return back to the OHL to play with the London Knights and continue developing. However, after Easton Cowan's success and growth last season, he is one of the team's more valuable trade assets.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs believe that Easton Cowan is at his peak value as a prospect trading him could be the ideal move. He likely won't fit into this season's roster in a significant way so using his value to acquire a top-six forward might be the best move.

This is something that General Manager Brad Treliving will need to evaluate in the coming months. If the Maple Leafs make a major trade for a top-of-the-lineup player expect Easton Cowan to potentially be involved in the deal.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Maple Leafs insider reveals that Easton Cowan may be available via trade