1. Easton Cowan
Age: 19
Height/Weight: 5'11",185 LBS.
Position: C/W
Shoots: Left
Draft: 1st round, 28th overall, 2023
The Toronto Maple Leafs hit gold with the 28th pick of the 2023 draft. People said it was too high to pick him, but the Leafs knew they wanted their guy and they didn't hesitate.
For once, it seems they might have been right.
Cowan exploded in his post-draft season, scoring 96 points and becoming one of the best players in the OHL. He then led the league in playoff scoring, won a Championship and the OHL's Playoff MVP award.
He also deserved to make the Leafs out of camp this year, but a crowded group of forwards left him on the outside looking in. I think it was a mistake as, since he can't go to the AHL, he now has to repeat junior and ride a bus to play in a league that he has nothing left to prove in.
Cowan's career potential is Franchise Player, but that's unlikely. What we should expect is a good top six forward who can perhaps make the all-star team in his best season. That's nothing to sneer at either, but the intelligence in his game - something the Leafs draft specifically for - gives him a chance to go higher.
Frankly, Cowan isn't considered that good around the league. If you read non-toronto-centric Prospect Reports, you won't see him listed among the Michkovs and the Celebrinis. Way down the list is where you find him, but that's because of his size.
Small players can succeed in the NHL, but they sure won't get the benefit of the doubt before they do.
Cowan is a way better prospect than the Leafs should have after eight years of competing for the Cup, but when combined with Minten, Hirvonen, Knies and Robertson, he gives the Leafs an entire second-wave of complimentary players who should be cheap for years to come and finally give the team's superstars some homegrown support.