**Title: Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Faces NHL Challenges Head-On**

Rookie Easton Cowan is now part of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, and his veteran teammates are ready to support him. As a smaller player, Cowan is often a target during physical play, especially against larger NHL opponents. His role on the first line makes him a focal point for the opposition, which will test his transition from junior hockey to the NHL without any time in the AHL.

"He’s a smaller guy (just under six feet, depending on who you ask), but not afraid to go into those dirty areas," said teammate Auston Matthews before a game against the New York Rangers. Matthews noted that Cowan has already faced some tough hits, including a couple of cheap shots during a recent 7-4 victory over Nashville. "He’s deceptively a lot stronger than he looks," Matthews added.

In a notable incident, Cowan was bumped hard into the goal post by Ozzy Wiesblatt of the Predators. Despite the impact, Cowan quickly recovered. Matthews praised Cowan's resilience, stating, "I think he’s handled it really well, understands the nature of moving up and playing at this level with strong men. You have to protect yourself and he realizes that."

Some observers expected the Maple Leafs to respond more aggressively to the hit on Cowan, which resulted in an interference penalty against Nashville. Coach Craig Berube commended Cowan and his teammates for their restraint. "They’ll figure it out and handle whatever the situation is," Berube said. "At the same time, we got a power play out of it, so you can’t react to that by taking a retaliatory minor. The power play’s job is to make them pay. You have to stay disciplined."

Cowan has also shown he can initiate contact, recording five hits in his early games. "It’s just the game, you get back up," Cowan said regarding the physicality he has faced. "I’m playing my game, playing north, supporting the puck. I’ve been hitting a lot and looking to keep that going, playing hard hockey."

After a demanding junior season that concluded with a Memorial Cup victory for the London Knights, Cowan focused on strength training near his Mount Brydges home to prepare for his first professional camp. "I feel like I got really strong this summer and I’m looking to keep that going through the year," he said.

Cowan's first week in the NHL has been positive, highlighted by his first career assist against the Predators. He also experienced a light-hearted moment during a team dinner when he was pranked by teammates Max Domi and Auston Matthews, who made him think he was responsible for a large bill. "Little jokes like that go a long way and you have to be able to take it," Cowan remarked.

Looking ahead, Cowan is expected to participate in the traditional rookie dinner, which often involves the rookie covering the costs. Veteran defenseman Chris Tanev expressed confidence in Cowan's abilities, saying, "He has a great head on his shoulders and it’s all coming in stride for him. I’m impressed with him on and off the ice."

Tanev recalled his own experiences as a rookie with the Vancouver Canucks, where older players supported him. "I don’t think I had to pay for a dinner for two years because they were so nice to me," he said.

As the team prepares for their next game, William Nylander was absent from practice, while Steve Lorentz participated despite an upper body injury. Berube confirmed that Nylander would play against New York, with Anthony Stolarz starting in goal after Cayden Primeau's debut.

Cowan's journey in the NHL is just beginning, and he is determined to make his mark while leaning on the support of his teammates.