The Toronto Maple Leafs have seen some huge departures this summer, with the team on the ice set to look significantly different as they chase the Stanley Cup again in 2024/25. However, for top prospect Easton Cowan, it was Wes Clark in the scouting department whose departure to the rival Pittsburgh Penguins will hit him the hardest.
Clark was a huge part of the scouting department that saw the team take a chance on a young London Knights forward, with him set to repay that good faith after an incredible OHL season in 2023/24. With more time expected in the NHL this season, Cowan will have plenty of time to develop and continue building relationships, but it's clear that Clark meant a lot to the young 18-year old.
While the team have established stars set to lead the way, Cowan may play a crucial role for Toronto, and with such an established front office and a lineup, there's plenty more relationships that can help push him into a key role in the NHL moving forward.