3 Surprises Who Will Make Toronto Maple Leafs Opening Night Roster

3 Players Who Could Surprisingly Make Toronto Maple Leafs Opening Line-Up

No. 1: Easton Cowan

If you only looked at Cowan's point total's and accomplishments last season, you wouldn't think that he'd be a huge shock to make the Leafs line-up this year, but he still would be a surprise, based on his age.

Despite scoring 34 goals and registering 96 points, while earning the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL's Most Outstanding Player, Cowan is only 19-years-old and might not be ready for the next step.

His skill is outstanding and potential is through the roof, but he still has a long way to go to show that he can do it at the professional level. Based on Cowan's skillset, he's in a similar position as Nick Robertson was when he jumped to the NHL.

Personally, I'd prefer to see Cowan continue to dominate in the OHL, be a leader for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships this year and then potentially find his way into the line-up for the playoffs. I see his future and best approach in a similar light to Matthew Knies, when he was able to add some energy to the Leafs line-up in the playoffs, instead of the Robertson way.

Although I'm saying all of this, there is still a chance that Cowan makes the team and his elite skill finds his way to the team's top-six. If the Leafs want to solve their depth problems, they should move John Tavares to 3C and then move William Nylander to 2C, which would open up a right-wing position with Cowan's name on it.

I don't think we'll see Cowan with the team on opening night, but there's always a chance, which is why this one would still shock me.