Easton Cowan

March 2024 – Cowan was the OHL’s hottest player in the second half of the year. The former first-round pick finished his regular season on a 36-game point streak, the CHL’s third-longest mark this century. His streak saw him rack up 68 points to finish his season total at 34 goals and 96 points in 54 games played, a significant jump from his 53 points in 2022-23. Cowan will now look to win a Memorial Cup with the London Knights who finished as the league’s top team. Curtis Rines

January 2024 – Like most of Team Canada, Cowan had a lacklustre World Juniors. Cowan played up and down the lineup but had just one goal, an empty netter, and two points in the five games played. However, he got better and better as the tournament progressed. Cowan’s best game was by far the quarter-final match-up against the Czechs, as he was all over the ice making plays. He is one of a handful of players who will be eligible to play for Team Canada again next year, and I would be surprised if he is not there. Curtis Rines

December 2023 – Cowan has had an outstanding first few months in his D+1 season. The London Knights forward is set to surpass his points total by nearly double as he already has 12 goals and 39 points in 23 OHL contests. Cowan and Flyers prospect Denver Barkey have formed one of the most formidable penalty killing duo’s in recent memory as they are a threat for a short-handed goal every time they step on the ice. On top of his blistering start with London, Cowan has also made Team Canada for the 2024 World Juniors. His relentless work ethic, ability to play with anyone, and his overall versality makes him a dangerous player for Canada’s coaching staff. It has been awhile since Toronto fans have been able to see not only one, but two prospects wear the (Canadian) Maple Leaf for this tournament, so there is a lot to be excited about over the next couple of weeks. Curtis Rines

June 2023 – Cowan has been selected 28th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Draft. Curtis Rines

June 2023 – Cowan makes for a fairly straightforward NHL projection if he can refine his stride mechanics and on-puck scanning habits, and adds a minimal amount of variety into his rush patterns as a carrier. He will add weight and play an inside-driven and violent game while putting up an impressive amount of primary assists/60 at even strength with the right linemates as finishers, but they would need to bring the dynamism to the line as well. He could make for an excellent complimentary piece in a top-6 with elite linemates, not unlike the Bunting role in Toronto, but replacing the goalscoring for playmaking. More likely, however, is an energy role in a bottom-six with added value as a depth playmaker who can plug a hole in the top-six in a pinch. Sebastian High