The Toronto Marlies are making a deep playoff run, and two young players are at the heart of it. Rookies Easton Cowan and Ben Danford have played pivotal roles in helping the Marlies reach the Calder Cup final for the first time since 2018. Their contributions have drawn praise from coaches, teammates, and management alike.
Cowan's Resilience After Costly Error
In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Cowan made a giveaway that cost the Marlies a potential win. Instead of shying away, he owned up to the mistake in the media, vowing to be better. He backed up his words by scoring in each of the next two games, helping the Marlies win the series in six games.
“He’s a kid who I think is going to have a massive impact in the next 10 to 15 years in this organization,” said Marlies general manager Ryan Hardy. “What he’s made of is what we want a lot of guys to be.” Hardy praised Cowan's unique gifts and special traits with the puck, emphasizing the importance of giving him freedom to express his talent while learning when to manage the puck.
Cowan missed two games earlier in the series due to an upper-body issue and did not practice on Wednesday for maintenance reasons, but coach John Gruden expects him to be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Calder Cup final on Friday in Chicago against the Wolves.
Danford's Smooth Transition
Ben Danford, drafted 31st overall in 2024, has stepped into the Marlies' lineup and played crucial minutes in his 11 games. After his OHL team, the Brantford Bulldogs, were eliminated in the Eastern Conference final, Danford quickly adjusted to the pro level.
“It has been really impressive, because at forward, you have 12 forwards and you can hide (one or two),” Hardy said. “For a defenceman there’s six and there’s nowhere to hide.” Hardy noted that Danford's competitiveness, intelligence, and character are off the charts, and his transition from junior to pro has made the team much better.
Danford's ability to assimilate with a team of pros who have been together all year has been a revelation. “There is a good puck game from a transitional perspective,” Hardy added.
Impact on Development
The Marlies' playoff run is providing invaluable experience for prospects like Cowan and Danford. Captain Logan Shaw highlighted how both have bought in and bounced back from mistakes. “This whole experience is going to be great for them,” Shaw said.
Other players, such as William Villeneuve, Bo Groulx, Ryan Tverberg, Luke Haymes, and Jacob Quillan (who is injured but could return), are also benefiting from the intensive hockey into June. This experience will serve them well as they aim for NHL roster spots in September.
Cowan, who has 13 points in 17 playoff games (second among AHL rookies), remains confident. “I always play with confidence. I’m a confident player. Every time I’m on the ice, I give it my best foot forward. There’s a mistake, you own up,” he said. “We won the series. That’s all that matters. And we’re moving on now.”
