Explaining Ilya Samsonov’s arbitration case with the Toronto Maple Leafs and why letting it get to that point is a loss for the club. Easton Cowan is looking to take another step on the ice with the London Knights this season. [gallery ids="4387,4528,4529,4530"] During a 10-day period that will span from August 7-18, I will be releasing my rankings (from 10-1) of who I believe is the closest prospect to playing full-time NHL hockey with the Maple Leafs. EASTON COWAN (LONDON KNIGHTS, OHL) 18, LW, FIVE-FOOT-10, 170 LBS Although the 18-year-old was a surprising pick at 28th overall, both he and the Maple Leafs are hopeful that the selection pays off. The forward had a tremendous season with the OHL's London Knights where he put up 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 68 games. What was more impressive were his playoff numbers. Cowan, after finishing off the regular season strong, had 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 20 games. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1giW8sJtho[/embed] The 18-year-old classifies himself as a 200-foot player, who's relentless on the ice. "I like to hound pucks," Cowan said, describing his game at Maple Leafs development camp. "I like to use my skating ability and my hockey sense to create plays along the ice, and I like to lead on the ice and off the ice by example." Watching the 18-year-old up close at Maple Leafs development camp, what stood out to me was his strength. As Cowan said, he likes to hound pucks. But he was one of the standout players for me in Toronto earlier this summer. His strength, his skating, and his shot altogether make him an impactful player that has a fascinating future in the Maple Leafs organization. Although he's on the smaller side at five-foot-10, his size on the ice is completely different. Cowan, while in Toronto, looked stronger. The 18-year-old looked like he fit right in with players who've been to development camps for a few years now. His arrival time at the NHL level might be a few years away. But if he has another successful season, and levels up, in London this upcoming year, I wonder if Toronto brings him to the AHL in 2024. It's fairly unlikely as I believe Cowan will follow a similar development path to Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten. Though it is something to look forward to if he does have plenty of success in London. "I like the way he plays the game, with a lot of passion and energy and agitating out there," said Maple Leafs Assistant GM and Head of Player Development, Hayley Wickenheiser earlier this summer. One of Cowan's favourite players is former Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri. The 18-year-old says he tries to take things from Kadri that he can implement into his own game. But Cowan plays with his heart on his sleeve, too, which is why I believe the Maple Leafs drafted him. The biggest aspect for the 18-year-old heading into his second OHL season is learning how to dominate at that level. If he can be physically imposing, difficult to play against, and productive, all while dominating his opponents, the future is bright. Related Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #7 - Ty Voit [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-rankings-7-ty-voit] Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #8 - Dennis Hildeby [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-rankings-8-dennis-hildeby] Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #9 - Keith Petruzzelli [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-rankings-9-keith-petruzzelli] Maple Leafs Prospect Rankings #10 - Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-rankings-10-artur-akhtyamov-and-vyacheslav-peksa] News from THN.com Defensive Dominos: Catching Up on the NHL's 2023 Off-Season Blueline Adjustments [https://thehockeynews.com/news/defensive-dominos-catching-up-on-the-nhls-2023-off-season-blueline-adjustments] 2023-24 NHL Prospect Pool Overview: Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/news/2023-24-nhl-prospect-pool-overview-nashville-predators] Will the Maple Leafs Hang Onto William Nylander for This Season? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/will-the-maple-leafs-hang-onto-william-nylander-for-this-season]
