Breaking down the Maple Leafs preseason performances: Prospects, Marlies, & NHLers

Matthew Knies of the Maple LeafsPreseason is thankfully on the back nine, and the real NHL hockey is going to begin shortly.

Before then, there will be roster cuts, potential signings (hello, Noah Gregor), and a trade is always possible. Not only are the Leafs still sorting through cap issues, but they have an extra goalie and other teams (Tampa Bay) need real help between the pipes.

Here are some thoughts on what we have seen so far broken down by player tier:

Prospects

Photo: USA Today Sports– We’ll start with Easton Cowan, who has clearly been one of the Leafs preseason stars. He was always known for the skill and feistiness in his game, but what has leaped off the page is his speed. He has…