Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Easton Cowan revealed that there is a certain part of Max Domi’s game that he would like to add to his repertoire and become better at.

As training camp draws to a close, Cowan has not stood out as much as many initially expected him to, albeit there were lofty expectations of the 2023 first-round pick coming into his second training camp. Cowan has skated in every pre-season game for the Leafs so far and while he is likely headed back to the London Knights, he was once again able to find something he would like to change about his game.

In speaking with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox while the team was in Bracebridge for their annual bonding trip, Cowan revealed he wants to emulate a surprising part of Max Domi’s game.

“I feel like adding more sandpaper in my game, maybe fighting a bit more, and just finishing my checks. Yeah. I’ve had a couple fights, but I feel like fighting opens up more space for you on the ice. Not being dumb with it, jumping guys. But when the time’s right, time’s right. So, I wouldn’t say I’m really focused on fighting, but if it’s there, I feel like it can open up more space,” Cowan explained. “You know, having that versatility. Like Domi. He can make plays. He can score. But he likes to get in there, and he can fight too, so just seeing that’s been pretty cool.”

Ahead of training camp, Cowan’s trainer compared his game to Flyers forward Travis Konecny, who also brings a lot of sandpaper to his game.

For the 5’11, now 185-pound winger, fighting is likely at the bottom of the list of things Maple Leaf staff would like to see him improve on, but he couldn’t have picked a better player to emulate in Domi, given that they are similar in size and both possess a lot of skill.

After winning the OHL Championship and MVP after a 34-goal, 96-point campaign, Cowan will at least be able to figure out how to add more sandpaper and fight against players of similar age and size when he is sent back to junior.