Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna are forcing Jim Hiller’s hand

Jeremy Franks of Editor In Leaf argues that young forwards Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna are forcing Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller to reward them with permanent promotions. Stepping up following John Tavares' absence and Chris Tanev's early injury during a road game against the Colorado Avalanche, both players delivered standout performances that the writer believes demand larger roles.

McKenna contributed key plays on Toronto's top power-play unit, assisting William Nylander and sparking an Auston Matthews goal. Meanwhile, Cowan scored the eventual game-winner late in the second period, marking his third goal of the season. Franks concludes that their rapid development leaves Hiller little choice but to expand their regular minutes.