**Maple Leafs Finalize Opening Night Roster Ahead of Season** The Toronto Maple Leafs have finalized their roster for the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season. The team will face the Montreal Canadiens at home on October 8, just over a week away. Among the notable inclusions is 20-year-old prospect Easton Cowan, who has secured a spot on the fourth line alongside veterans Scott Laughton and Steve Lorentz.

Cowan has demonstrated his commitment to earning his place on the team. He has impressed coaches and teammates alike during training camp and the preseason. Coach Craig Berube noted that Cowan has made it difficult for him to consider cutting him from the lineup. Cowan has adapted well to playing with Laughton and Lorentz, showcasing his skills and work ethic.

Before heading to Muskoka for their annual preseason bonding trip, the Maple Leafs held a practice session at the Ford Performance Centre on Monday morning. The forward lines were structured as follows:

- **Forwards:** Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Max Domi Bobby McMann - John Tavares - William Nylander Dakota Joshua - Nicolas Roy - Matias Maccelli Steve Lorentz - Scott Laughton - Easton Cowan **Extras:** Nick Robertson, David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, Michael Pezzetta

- **Defense:** Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Simon Benoit **Extras:** Philippe Myers, Henry Thrun, Dakota Mermis

- **Goaltenders:** Anthony Stolarz Dennis Hildeby

Berube addressed the status of the lineup, stating, "I don’t ever count anything out. I don’t want to do that. I don’t think it’s fair. Camp is still going. We’ll see how it goes. I’m not going to count anything out." He also commented on Cowan's performance, saying, "I think the detail of his game... he has taken that and he has done what we asked him to do, the hounding part of the game, the work ethic and the compete, playing predictable, playing direct. For me, he’s done that so far in camp, and he’s done it in the games too."

Auston Matthews praised Cowan's adaptability, noting, "The pace doesn’t really affect him, he’s keeping up with the pace really well. He’s the kind of player who can slow the game down and speed it up when he has to. When he’s on the ice and he has the puck on his stick, he can make a lot happen."

As the team prepares for their final preseason games against the Detroit Red Wings, Berube remains cautious about potential changes to the lineup. Injuries could impact the final roster, and players like Simon Benoit, who was seen in a non-contact jersey, may affect decisions.

The competition for roster spots is intense, particularly for players like Robertson, Kampf, Jarnkrok, and Pezzetta, who may find themselves as healthy scratches. Robertson, in particular, is viewed as a potential 13th forward, provided he is not traded, as several teams are interested in his offensive capabilities.

Berube has expressed confidence in McMann's ability to contribute significantly, especially after a challenging previous season. The defense appears solid, and Stolarz is expected to start in goal, with Hildeby as the backup.

With 33 players assigned to the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs are gearing up for the season with a roster that Berube believes is ready for NHL competition. "It’s nice to have one group," he said. "We’re ramping it up a little more this week."