While the Toronto Maple Leafs navigate an off-season of significant organizational change, a few of the franchise's top prospects are making the most of an opportunity to play meaningful hockey in May.
Forward Easton Cowan and defenceman Ben Danford are currently navigating the intensity of the AHL playoffs with the Toronto Marlies, learning on the fly and leaning on each other through the gruelling Calder Cup run.
For the 21-year-old Cowan, the extra ice time is a welcome extension to his year.
"You play a lot of games," Cowan said. "It's good to learn your body and how to treat it, especially later in the season."
The former London Knights forward has been using the opportunity to refine his 200-foot game, placing a heavy focus on his defensive responsibilities.
He has also kept a close eye on the Stanley Cup playoffs, understanding the standard required to play late into the spring at the NHL level.
"You see all these teams battling, there's been some good games. It just shows the compete level and the hockey sense out there," Cowan said. "I think that just puts a fire in you to want to be there next year."
Cowan has carried his weight for the Marlies as a rookie, sitting fourth in scoring with three goals and seven points through 11 playoff games. It is familiar territory for the winger, who led the Ontario Hockey League in playoff scoring before capturing the Memorial Cup MVP award in 2025.
There have been moments, like in Game 3, when the Marlies were struggling to generate offence, that head coach John Gruden wants a player like Cowan not to always look for the perfect play.
"He likes the puck on his stick ...and you don't want to take creativity away from skilled players," Gruden said. "But sometimes when things aren't going your way, you just have to simplify it and be a little bit more direct and then all the other stuff will open up."
Meanwhile, Danford is making the transition from the junior ranks to professional hockey — a jump that requires immediate adjustments.
"You're playing against men," Danford said. "They're stronger, faster. You don't have much time and space out there. But I think every shift I'm getting better and getting more used to it."
The timing of Danford's arrival added to the challenge. Rather than easing into the lineup during the regular season, the 18-year-old stepped straight into a playoff push — joining what Gruden described as a "moving train."
The Marlies coach had no reservations about Danford’s ability to handle the pressure, having watched the blueliner closely during development camps and rookie tournaments.
"I can see he's not afraid of the moment," Gruden said. "He's played some big games, and he's been around the group for a couple of training camps now, so it's a little bit easier coming in."
Gruden has noticed the progress Danford has made since he was drafted.
"He's gotten bigger and stronger, and he's a little quicker from what I remember. It changes so fast when you're 18 years old, so he's fit right in," Gruden said. "I'm sure he's going to get more confident, and the consistency will come the more he plays. He's going to actually make a big difference for us as we continue to move forward."
Another benefit for Danford is having Cowan in the locker room as a familiar sounding board. The two have built a strong off-ice friendship, allowing them to navigate the pressure together.
"He's someone that I rely on and ask a lot of questions about what it's like and just the transition from junior to the pro level," Danford said of Cowan. "He's someone that's really good to feed off of, and he's one of my best friends."
The support goes both ways. Cowan noted that the duo has found a healthy balance between focusing at the rink and decompressing away from it.
"When we're at the rink, we're still having fun, we're learning the game," Cowan said. "But away from the rink, we just try to forget about the game and have some fun."
While the Marlies have a wealth of veteran players who have taken Danford under their wing, especially on the blue line, it doesn't hurt to have someone like Cowan who can relate to his journey.
Gruden sees immense value in that peer-to-peer dynamic.
"I think it's always important for him to lean on somebody that's his age group," the coach said. "They kind of come in together."
The Maple Leafs organization also sees major development value in exposing Danford to veteran minds.
The rookie has been working closely with former NHL defenceman Mark Giordano, who joined the Marlies as an assistant coach following his retirement.
"Being with Giordano's been great for me," Danford said. "There are so many development staff, coaches and everyone throughout this organization who have already helped me so much since I became a prospect.
"I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better when it comes to the mental side of things, not letting mistakes affect me. If you have a tough shift, go back out there and win the next one.”
While Gruden praises Danford's skating, defensive awareness, and projectable frame, Cowan believes there is more to his teammate's game than just a shutdown identity.
"I just think his skating's elite," Cowan said. "Looks like he's floating out there. Obviously, he's got that good defensive part of his game, but I think he's got some sneaky good offence as well."
As Toronto's front office focuses on reshaping the NHL blue line this off-season, management is keeping a close eye on Danford's trajectory.
The young defenceman noted he has already had brief conversations with new general manager John Chayka and senior executive adviser Mats Sundin.
"When I first met them, it was more small talk, just getting to know each other," Danford said. "It was very brief... but it was nice to hear what they want out of me, what they want to see from me and where they want my game to go.”
As for his ultimate ceiling, Danford hopes to prove he can become a versatile, multi-situation asset for the Leafs down the road.
"I feel like I could be the type of player that can be asked to shut down another team's top line, have a good PK role and someone that can help with secondary offence as well," Danford said.
