Easton Cowan Leading London to Another Lengthy Playoff Run, Like Mitch Marner Did

Jared Brown

Apr 27, 2024, 19:41

Jared Brown

Apr 27, 2024, 19:41

Maple Leafs prospect continues to be a playoff performer in the OHL Playoffs, like Maple Leafs right winger and Knights alumni Mitch Marner was.

What do Easton Cowan and Mitch Marner have in common? Both were first-round draft picks by the team they grew up cheering for. Both play(ed) for the London Knights. And both have shown to be playoff performers. At least in the OHL that is.

Cowan was rated as a mid-round draft pick for most of last season until he raised his stock, catching the eyes of Toronto's scouting staff. The Maple Leafs were critiqued for their selection of Cowan in the first round since he was seen as a reach. Well, that's why NHL scouts get paid the big bucks.

London lost in the OHL Finals to Peterborough a year ago and Cowan finished his draft-season campaign with 21 points in 20 games. Being a point-per-game in the playoffs will raise some eyes. But when you're a fierce competitor without the puck and causing turnovers on the penalty kill as much as he did, you'll attract a lot of eyes.

Easton is doing a lot of the same this year. The difference is that OHL teams are more aware of him now and he's getting his opponents' best shutdown players every night to minimize the damage he can do. Despite that, he's continued to be an impact player for London in the playoffs this year, and he has shown the characteristics of knowing what it takes to win at this time of year.

When you look at this production, ten points in nine games isn't eye-popping, but it's how he can impact games without the puck or in the special teams department. He uses his shifty and speedy boots to gain zone entries on the powerplay. His anticipation on the penalty kill shows similarities to Mitch Marner. And he has been excellent all year long at creating chances while shorthanded.

Cowan and the Knights took game one of the Western Conference Finals last night. The Maple Leafs prospect set up the game-tying goal and sealed the win with an empty netter.

Out of the four teams remaining in the OHL Playoffs, London looks the best, and Cowan looks rabid to lead them to an OHL Championship. Just like Mitch Marner did for the Knights.

Mitch Marner at the moment is a very polarizing topic. He's being perceived by many as a non-playoff performer and someone who cannot rise to the occasion. Once beloved by Leafs Nation. Is he losing his fan club? The Maple Leafs are down 2-1 in their first-round series against the Boston Bruins and all Marner has to show so far in the series is a great pass to set up Matthew Knies in game three.

One thing can't be forgotten with Marner. During his OHL tenure with the London Knights, he was an absolute stallion and dynamic threat in the playoffs.

Mitch had three post-season runs with the Knights, recording a ridiculous 69 points in 34 career playoff games. Of course, his production climbed drastically in 2015-16, the year after he was drafted fourth overall by Toronto.

Marner in those playoffs had 44 points in 18 games and was a plus-30. He made it look like he was playing against house league players. He was the OHL Playoffs MVP and CHL Player of the Year that season as he doubled down and was the Memorial Cup MVP with 14 points in four games.

So, although his track record in the NHL Playoffs has yet to be as sparkling, you can't deny he didn't show up in the big moments and on the big stage during his junior career.

Does Cowan have the elite skillset that Marner possesses? No. But he's shown his ability to take over games and will his way to be impactful in the big moments. I expect Cowan to lead the way for London in the Western Conference Finals against Saginaw after coming close to an OHL Championship last year.