Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Named 2025 Memorial Cup MVP
Easton Cowan, a standout forward for the London Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, has been named the 2025 Memorial Cup MVP, earning the Stafford Smythe Trophy.
This accolade follows his instrumental role in leading the Knights to their third Memorial Cup championship and their first since 2016, when Mitch Marner also received the MVP honor.
Cowan, selected 28th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Draft, delivered a remarkable performance throughout the tournament. He registered three goals and four assists, totaling seven points in five games.
This achievement not only secured the MVP title but also earned him the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the Memorial Cup’s top scorer. Remarkably, Cowan became the first player in history to lead the event in scoring in consecutive years.
His consistency and leadership were evident in the championship game against the Medicine Hat Tigers, where the Knights triumphed 4–1. Cowan’s contributions were pivotal in the team’s success, showcasing his growth and resilience since their narrow loss in the previous year’s final.
Beyond his Memorial Cup achievements, Cowan has had an illustrious junior career. In the 2023–24 OHL season, he amassed 96 points in 54 games, including a franchise-record 36-game point streak. His outstanding performance earned him the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the playoff MVP.
Cowan’s development has been closely monitored by the Maple Leafs, with team officials praising his work ethic, confidence, and adaptability. His ability to transition seamlessly between junior and professional play positions him as a strong candidate for a spot on the Maple Leafs roster in the upcoming season.
As Cowan prepares for the next phase of his career, his Memorial Cup MVP award stands as a testament to his dedication and skill. It not only highlights his individual accomplishments but also underscores the promising future he holds within the Maple Leafs organization.