Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan shares sad feelings on Scott Laughton trade

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Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan shares sad feelings on Scott Laughton trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Easton Cowan has spent a solid amount of ice time with Scott Laughton this season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

They may not skate on the same line again, though.

Laughton was scratched from Wednesday night's game as the Leafs approach the trade deadline with Laughton heavily involved in rumors.

On an expiring contract, Laughton is a logical player to deal away so that the Maple Leafs can get some kind of return for him rather than nothing.

That still doesn't make it easy. There are human elements involved in all these decisions, and one person impacted is the youngster Cowan.

Still trying to learn his way in the NHL, Cowan has leaned on Laughton, and he's going to miss him.

“He’s been nothing but good to me," Cowan told reporters after Toronto's game on Wednesday night. "Honestly, I haven't known him long, but probably wouldn't be the person I am right now without him. Just a great teammate. Yeah, it's unfortunate. Obviously sucks.”

MORE: Maple Leafs getting help from Flyers to trade veteran center

The trade deadline as it pertains to Cowan is a fascinating time.

On the one hand, he's not going anywhere. And the more players Toronto sends out, the more playing time Cowan will get down the stretch of the season.

But on the flip side, this is still a young player finding his way in the NHL. Without veteran teammates like Laughton around, there's just a little less mentorship for Cowan to lean on.

Clearly, NHL players grow to learn the business side of things, and Cowan already understands it well enough. That doesn't make it easier.

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