Skip to main content
News
NewsTOR

Cowan moves to Leafs’ second line as McKenna shifts to third

Jim Hiller plans to keep the winger swap Toronto used late in its overtime win over Nashville for Thursday’s game in Vegas.

Hockey.com
File photo: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan takes a shot against the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena.
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Easton Cowan will move onto the Toronto Maple Leafs’ second line for Thursday’s game in Las Vegas, with Gavin McKenna taking his place on the third line, coach Jim Hiller told reporters, according to Sportsnet.

Hiller said he wanted to retain the combinations Toronto used at the end of Tuesday’s 5-4 overtime victory against Nashville. The Leafs had recovered from a three-goal deficit.

"Just liked how we finished," Hiller said.

McKenna scored his first NHL goal and recorded his first assist in that victory. Cowan has one goal and three points entering Thursday’s game, Sportsnet reported.

Toronto’s first road game of the season is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena against the Vegas Golden Knights.

More on this story

Topicstoronto maple leafsgavin mckennaeaston cowanlineup
Keep Reading

More from the newsroom

All news →
Jack Eichel takes a penalty shot against Sergei Bobrovsky at T-Mobile Arena.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
NEWSVGKTOROct 9, 2026

Eichel penalty shot helps Vegas erase three-goal deficit against Toronto

The Golden Knights recovered from a 3-0 start to win 4-3 in a shootout at T-Mobile Arena.

File photo: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson controls the puck against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre.
David Kirouac-Imagn Images
NEWSTORVGKOct 9, 2026

Maple Leafs' Oliver Ekman-Larsson hurt late against Golden Knights

The Toronto defenceman left after a Jeremy Lauzon hit near the end of regulation and did not play in overtime.

Auston Matthews battles for the puck against Nashville beside the net at Scotiabank Arena.
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
NEWSTOROct 8, 2026

Hiller praises Matthews’s play and leadership after four-point night

Toronto’s coach sees more than an overtime winner as Auston Matthews sets the tone on and off the ice.

Predators centre Steven Stamkos celebrates with teammates at the bench after scoring against the Maple Leafs in the first period at Scotiabank Arena.
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
NEWSNSHTOROct 7, 2026

Stamkos passes Sakic, Iginla for 17th on NHL's all-time goals list

Steven Stamkos scored twice for Nashville in a 5-4 overtime loss at Toronto, reaching 627 career goals and moving within 13 of Dave Andreychuk.