Prospect Info: 2023 1st Rd Selection - #28 OA (via BOS, WSH) - C, Easton Cowan [London Knights, OHL; [Height 5.11 -- Weight 185]

[ITM]

So for everyone who's down on Cowan, who would you have taken with the Leafs pick at 28 that would seem to be significantly better?

Lucas Dragecevich? RHD
David Edstrom C from Sweden whose stock is rising…
Hrabal?

I don’t think it’s the player so much as the reach and the possibility of getting him and another pick or two between rounds 2-4.

 

[Phion Keneuf]

How does he compare to Brayden Point?

 

[All Mod Cons]

View attachment 723246

Ok. So if you have the names of the GM for any of those links, lets make a deal. I would imagine SMAHT scouting would throw in a pick.

If these lists are anything, why draft? Just auto-assign, while taking notice of team's position preference.

 

[Stephen]

A few thoughts:

1. We’ve had success with London players, hopefully that will continue.

2. I feel like they were hoping for either Ritchie/Musty and of course they went right in front of us.

3. Wes Clark is definitely the guy that’s been making our picks for the past few years. There’s no way Treliving made this pick, he’s brand new to the team and was only granted access to join the team after the 16th pick a couple days ago.

4. Hopefully it pans out. I’m getting a Villainous vibe which I do like for the leafs.

This is one example of why I say we need to trade up. If there's something you really like, you can't stand pat and hope for the best. Not to say they really liked Musty or Ritichie. But if they did, you gotta pounce...

 

[ACC1224]

I have no idea so I think it's a fantastic pick.

I have no idea and I hate it.

 

[Clark4Ever]

I'll make a bold prediction. Cowan will be our future 3rd line centre and become a fan favorite.

 

[ITM]

Well no one traded back at all tonight .. Suffice to say that it's possible a deal wasn't there

Absolutely the case. And that will probably have to be repeated here a few times.

 

[Legion34]

How could the 28 th not be packaged for like 40th 75th 100th

 

[Leaf Rocket]

How does he compare to Brayden Point?

Ive watched A LOT brayden point when I was hoping for Rielly...I don't think he's as talented.

 

[BertCorbeau]

This is one example of why I say we need to trade up. If there's something you really like, you can't stand pat and hope for the best. Not to say they really liked Musty or Ritichie. But if they did, you gotta pounce...

But with what assets?

 

[Fogelhund]

21 points in 20 games in the OHL playoffs. That’s not too bad. He was an OHL rookie this past year, so let’s see what he does next year. I too would have thought you’d trade back if this was your guy, but someone must have liked him a lot. The guys I had my eyes on were all picked already…

 

[ITM]

How could the 28 th not be packaged for like 40th 75th 100th

Perhaps there were no takers OR…Clark and Co. caught wind that another team was going to reach for Cowan?

Stranger things…

 

[hamzarocks]

Is he minten 2.0?

 

[Byron Bitz]

Couldn’t we have traded down for this kid? Definitely not who I was hoping for but the Knies pick has bought our scouting department some leeway for now.

 

[Mess]

In both regards, the 5’10.5, 170-pound left shot Cowan scores very highly. His persistent motor, tenacity as a puck retriever on the forecheck, and hockey sense are hallmarks of his game.

After spending most of his D-1 season in the OJHL, the Ontario native’s production in his first full OHL season in 2022-23 consisted of 53 points in 68 regular-season games and then ticked up notably in the Knights’ playoff run to the OHL Finals — 21 points in 20 postseason games, including nine goals, led OHL rookie playoff scoring by double digits ahead of the second-highest scorer. His strong second half and impressive playoff run — arguably the Knights’ best forward in the OHL Finals series vs. Peterborough — nudged him into first-round consideration for several draft teams around the league.

 

[Metroid]

I like this pick cuz most of ya hate it., Even tho I know nothing of this guy. He's my new favorite.
Ya I'm gonna be that guy.

 

[Stephen]

How does he compare to Brayden Point?

Think Point was much more accomplished as a producer in the WHL by the time he was drafted but his skating was awful and wasn't developed until he met Barb Underhill... But keep in mind a lot of development had to go right for Point post draft. Like for example, a Nic Petan was well ahead of Point in terms of draft pedigree, WHL production, prospect hype, WJC fame. But Point just kept getting better, got to the NHL, got even better in the NHL. It's an unusual development curve you can't extrapolate for anyone else.

Cowan's skating looks pretty good from what I'm watching tonight. He's got a nice compact build, looks a little like a Kerfoot/Gourde/Caufield and can buzz saw into junior traffic with comfort. So that's promising...

 

[notbias]

Rookie in the OHL (3rd in scoring), and came on strong in the 2nd half and playoffs, could have been an adjustment period.

Haven't seen him, so just guessing.

 

[hockeywiz542]

Maple Leafs 2023 NHL Draft grade: Corey Pronman analyzes every pick

Corey Pronman evaluates the Maple Leafs' picks at the 2023 NHL Draft.

theathletic.com

28. Easton Cowan, RW, LONDON (OHL)

May 20, 2005 | 5′ 10″ | 170 pounds

Tier: Has a chance to play games

Skating: NHL average

Puck skills: NHL average

Hockey sense: NHL average

Compete: Above NHL average

Background: Cowan’s stock trended up as the season went along. A second-round pick in his OHL Draft, Cowan became an important all-situations forward for a top OHL team this season in London.

Analysis: Cowan is a quick and competitive winger. He plays with a lot of energy and courage, not shying from getting to the net or engaging in after-the-whistle activities. Cowan has good skills and enough hockey sense to make you think he’ll score as a pro, but whether there’s enough pure offense in his game is a question, especially as a barely 5-foot-11 player. His scoring in the OHL postseason was encouraging though.

Thoughts on the pick: Cowan is a bit of a surprise at 28. He’s a player who was rising all season, played a big role on a top CHL club and I thought was a strong candidate to go in the second round. He skates and competes well and has offense. I didn’t see the high-end offense or athletic profile for 28. The Leafs obviously disagreed, and are getting a true competitor in Cowan. Time will tell if this works for them.

 

[capfit9]

i see nick robertson

 

[Stand Witness]

I think when you are picking later in the 1st and early in the 2nd, you want to identify players in a good program with a chance to take a big role in the next year.

I think both Minten and Cowan fit that bill. Personally, I think Cowan more so than Minten. But they are both in good programs where they will be put in quality development positions.

 

[thewave]

So for everyone who's down on Cowan, who would you have taken with the Leafs pick at 28 that would seem to be significantly better?

Generally speaking. It's better to go with the combined rankings for the first round. Just take the top 5-6 scouts that publish public lists leading into the draft and pick based on that.

Way more likely to score yourself an Aho type player that way.

 

[horner]

Lucas Dragecevich? RHD
David Edstrom C from Sweden whose stock is rising…
Hrabal?

I don’t think it’s the player so much as the reach and the possibility of getting him and another pick or two between rounds 2-4.

Treliving seemed to be working the phones maybe there was no move down senerio.

 

[Stand Witness]

i see nick robertson

Not reckless like Nick Robertson

 

[Stephen]

But with what assets?

This is a historical gripe I have with the trade down philosophy. Trade up to get K'Andre Miller when we traded down for Sandin. Could have traded up for a Yurov or an Ohgren last year. If you really love the asset, and I don't know that they did... you have to pounce.