Easton Cowan
If there is one prospect that everyone will have their eyes on during training camp, it will be Easton Cowan. He is coming off an outstanding season with the London Knights in the OHL. Cowan registered 34 goals and 62 assists for 96 points in 54 games.
The 19-year-old set a new OHL record by registering a point in 42 consecutive games (regular season and playoffs). He finished the regular season on a 36-game point streak to set a new London Knights record. Cowan didn't stop when the regular season did. He registered ten goals and 24 assists for 34 points in 18 playoff games.
The Leafs first-round pick (28th overall) from the 2023 NHL draft finished the 2023-24 OHL season as an OHL Champion, OHL First All-Star Team, OHL's Most Outstanding Player (Red Tilson Trophy), OHL Playoffs Most Assists (24), OHL Playoffs Most Points (34), and OHL Playoffs MVP (Gretzky 99 Award). Cowan will be looking to carry that momentum into training camp and earn a roster spot in the Leafs lineup.
There is a lot to like about Cowan's game. He has an incredible hockey IQ and is a great playmaker. He has a knack for creating space for himself and to find teammates. Cowan can handle himself in puck battles and make quick passes. There will still be a learning curve for Cowan to adjust to the NHL level, but I don't think it will take him too long.
Cowan's ceiling with the Leafs is high, and he has the potential to be a top-six forward in the near future. Maybe not this season, but soon. The only thing that Cowan needs to work on at the NHL is dealing with the physicality. For those who don't know Cowan very well, it won't take them long to realize why he is at the top of the Leafs prospect list.