After a successful training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the London Knights are regaining their electric first line winger, Easton Cowan.
Easton Cowan gave Toronto fans a glimpse of what's to come — and showed why he was a first-round pick in the NHL Entry Draft — earlier this month at the Maple Leafs' main camp. But despite showcasing his compete level and overall hockey sense, the 18-year-old will continue his development with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League.
If the first couple of weeks of the season are anything to go by, it should be monster year for the Mount Brydges, Ont., winger.
Cowan, who was one of the final cuts at Leafs' camp, had 20 goals and 53 points in 68 games last season. Without him in the lineup, London went 3-1-1. Since returning to the lineup, he has three games and five points for a Knights team that is hoping to return to the OHL championship.
Despite being a first-round pick, there are still things that Cowan needs to improve before he takes the next step towards becoming a full-time NHLer. His offensive potential only really began to flash in the latter part of last season, specifically in the playoffs, where he had nine goals and 21 points in 20 games and his draft stock really began to skyrocket.
If Cowan can show his offensive creativity and upside on a nightly basis, his NHL projection becomes a lot clearer. He began last season by focusing on the defensive side of the puck and ensuring he did all the little things right, but began to open up as the season continued on.
The compete and two-way ability in Cowan’s game has never been in question, and if he can really breakout offensively this season, he may be ready to make the Leafs main roster as soon as next season.