**Title: Maple Leafs Rookie Easton Cowan Shines Ahead of Season**

BRACEBRIDGE — The Maple Leafs have wrapped up their training camp and pre-season activities, including their annual team bonding trip to Muskoka. Following a Wednesday morning practice at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, players were eager to return to Toronto. The team is set to face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena in their second-to-last pre-season game.

Coach Craig Berube indicated he plans to use his opening-night lineup for the game against Detroit. "I always wait to see if there’s somebody that maybe can’t go for a certain reason, but I’d like to get our lineup in there for sure," Berube said. He expressed satisfaction with the team's practice efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the regular season. "There’s a difference and you can see it. To me, that’s getting prepared for the regular season. We have two exhibition games left. We’d like to see some further progress."

No changes were made to the line combinations, with Max Domi remaining on the first line, Matias Maccelli on the third, and Easton Cowan on the fourth. Defenseman Simon Benoit, who had previously worn a red non-contact jersey, participated in practice in a regular black jersey.

Cowan, a rookie, aims to demonstrate that his strong performance during training camp and pre-season is not just a temporary display. He is focused on making an immediate impact as the regular season approaches, starting on October 8 against the Montreal Canadiens. "I feel way different," Cowan said. "I said to my parents after the game in Montreal that this is the best hockey I’ve played. I know I’m not producing a crazy amount of points, but my 200-foot game, I’ve felt so confident with it. It feels good to be a reliable player."

Cowan has been playing on the fourth line alongside center Scott Laughton and Steve Lorentz, showcasing his readiness for the NHL. "I’ve learned a lot from them, two older guys in the league who have played a while, who are smart and know where to place pucks," Cowan noted. He added, "I’m happy with how I have played so far. But I’m not satisfied. I know I can keep playing better. I’m not too worried about the lines right now; I’m trying to play my game."

Berube has observed significant growth in Cowan since last year. "He has come in as a worker and he has done all the little things we’ve asked to do. He had a great summer. He looked different to me, body-wise, weight-wise, looks stronger and way more confident," Berube said.

Meanwhile, Domi's position on the top line with captain Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies is under scrutiny. Berube stated, "I have to see more in games. They’ve been fine in practices. With Max, we have to let him play his game, but at the same time, he has to change a little bit. I need him to get inside more. I need him to shoot more."

The team recently enjoyed a two-day retreat at the Windermere House on Lake Rosseau, where they engaged in team-building activities, including golf. Cowan even attempted to sing a Lady Gaga song during a dinner, prompting Berube to humorously suggest, "He should just stick to hockey."

The trip concluded with a practice session attended by several hundred enthusiastic young fans. Matthews remarked on the support the team receives, saying, "The support we get all over the place, but coming up here for the last four or five years, the stands are always filled with kids and people coming to watch, and it’s awesome. It brings everybody together. You’re with each other for two days, and I think we’re all probably sick of each other from now, but it’s great to be able to spend time away from the rink together."