The Maple Leafs are ready to get going with the 2025-26 NHL season, but they’re going to start without Easton Cowan despite calling up the highly touted rookie in time for the game against the Montreal Canadiens.

“We’re all excited to get going,” said head coach Craig Berube after a well-attended optional morning skate Wednesday. “Camp gets long, guys want to play the real games. No better way to start than playing the Montreal Canadiens.”

The Maple Leafs recalled Cowan from the Toronto Marlies, two days after demoting him, in advance of the season opener. GM Brad Treliving had said if Cowan was on the roster, he wanted him to play. But that doesn’t, apparently, apply to the season opener.

“He won’t be playing,” said Berube. “He’s up here with us. We’re happy with that. He’s here. W

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