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

[BertCorbeau]

The smart play was moving down and picking up multiple 2nds/3rds from team with too many to count. Hawks (4) and Wings (3) are loaded with second rounders. We could have easily selected Easton somewhere in the second round.

You assume the other team wanted to trade, and trade those assets to move up.

 

[93LEAFS]

So the leafs draft another Accarri. Awesome. But he’s not a legit first rounder.

If you end up with a Michael Bunting with the 28th pick, you are pretty happy. People here are either dramatically overestimating the hit rates of the picks in the 25-32 range or have very unreasonable expectations. First round picks outside the top 20 are basically a 50/50 proposition to become a player of value (top 5 D-man, top 9 forward, starting goalie). Yes, a better player will likely be drafted after him, but actually identifying that player is going to be highly unlikely.

 

[RoadWarrior]

If you end up with a Michael Bunting with the 28th pick, you are pretty happy. People here are either dramatically overestimating the hit rates of the picks in the 25-32 range or have very unreasonable expectations. First round picks outside the top 20 are basically a 50/50 proposition to become a player of value (top 5 D-man, top 9 forward, starting goalie). Yes, a better player will likely be drafted after him, but actually identifying that player is going to be highly unlikely.

This draft had top line players available at 28 who are well known. That’s very atypical. Should have traded down or taken BPA.

 

[AustonMarner]

If his TJ Oshie comparison pans out, this'll be a stellar pick in 3 years... I can't lie, this feels like a really good choice for some reason...

I wonder what kind of stick he uses?

All the best in Toronto Cowan!

 

[93LEAFS]

This draft had top line players available at 28 who are well known. That’s very atypical. Should have traded down or taken BPA.

Who was a clear top-line talent still available? Historically, most clear top-line players who drive play (so a Matthews or Marner, and not a Bunting or a Hyman) are generally drafted top 10. Yes, there are one's later in the draft, but actually identifying those is rare. There will always be Kucherov's or Aho's, but good luck consistently identifying them.

People are acting like this draft is deeper than it actually was. But, it seems outside truly bad looking draft classes they usually get overhyped.

This kid has top line potential. Maybe not in a Marner/Matthews way, but in a way that will make that line-perform better as a 3rd wheel.

 

[baton elevated]

The smart play was moving down and picking up multiple 2nds/3rds from team with too many to count. Hawks (4) and Wings (3) are loaded with second rounders. We could have easily selected Easton somewhere in the second round.

Exactly, this is why I think this was their player all along.

 

[JSn0w93]

Have to think the brass knew there was league interest in him and they didn't want to risk moving back. This is a lot like the Minten pick last year. Wouldn't surprise me if he puts up near 90 points next season.

 

[Stephen]

Have to think the brass knew there was league interest in him and they didn't want to risk moving back. This is a lot like the Minten pick last year. Wouldn't surprise me if he puts up near 90 points next season.

A post draft blow up would not be very similar to what happened to Minten D+1, rather what we had hoped but didn't pan out.

 

[horner]

Have to think the brass knew there was league interest in him and they didn't want to risk moving back. This is a lot like the Minten pick last year. Wouldn't surprise me if he puts up near 90 points next season.

People need to watch this player next season.

 

[The Best Leafs Everr]

And here comes the first pick from Bread butter telephone.

 

[Mess]

Eight years ago, the Leafs also picked a Knight in the first round when they took Mitch Marner fourth overall.

Comparing former London Knights in their 1st years in OHL.

vs.

 

[ChazzMichaelMichaels]

Thank you for this. Do you think he has any chance to make the Canada world junior team next year?

Doubtful next year but possibly the following year.

 

[CelticDruid]

Central Scouting's issue in this case releases their list way too early, and it cut off the part where his stock started rocketing up.

While not as extreme the difference between where they ranked Knies, and where we got him. Hockey Prospect has been doing a strong job for years, and they loved this kid, and we got him right where they had him.

And he missed a year because of Covid drama.

 

[The Best Leafs Everr]

If his TJ Oshie comparison pans out, this'll be a stellar pick in 3 years... I can't lie, this feels like a really good choice for some reason...

I wonder what kind of stick he uses?

All the best in Toronto Cowan!

He uses horse stick.

 

[JSn0w93]

A post draft blow up would not be very similar to what happened to Minten D+1, rather what we had hoped but didn't pan out.

Minten dealt with injuries and was on one of the best teams in the CHL and usually was on their second line and tasked with a lot of defensive responsibility. If he played on a worse team it would have likely benefited his statline with more pp time and minutes. He still had a fine season. He will likely have a big season here with Bankier leaving junior.

 

[ChazzMichaelMichaels]

I'm expecting this board to be head over heels with him when he gets the typical veteran Knights player points bump, and not much will have actually changed as far as projections going forward. As said, with the Knights it is rare for a kid to be at the very top of the line-up at 17. In recent years it's basically limited to Marner, Juolevi and Domi off the top of my head (M. Tkachuk if you count late-birthdays), even Bo Horvat while in an important role was the 2nd line center I believe in his draft year, and he's a guy whose stock I remember jumping up due to his playoff performance.

I think that’s very likely (the bump) he’ll be relied on a lot more … like a lot more.

 

[AcerComputer]

 

[ChazzMichaelMichaels]

Thanks for this!

Is picturing him as sort of like Konecny accurate? Sort of the vibe I'm getting but maybe not as much of a pest?

Yah, no where close to the pest qualities or the pure talent of Konecny I’d say. Easton won’t give opponents space or time though.

 

[AcerComputer]

Eight years ago, the Leafs also picked a Knight in the first round when they took Mitch Marner fourth overall.

Comparing former London Knights in their 1st years in OHL.

View attachment 723288

vs.

View attachment 723289

It looks like he lost a year of development due to covid, which would explain why this is his first full year for the Knights. Kid looks very young for his age.

 

[baton elevated]

Eight years ago, the Leafs also picked a Knight in the first round when they took Mitch Marner fourth overall.

Comparing former London Knights in their 1st years in OHL.

View attachment 723288

vs.

View attachment 723289

Marner was 6' 180lbs his draft year. I highly doubt that.

 

[I am Canadian]

Half of you would kill for Travis Konecny.. Lemme see.. Hmm also 5"10. This team drafted a player with heart and determination. Don't have nearly enough of these type of players.

 

[93LEAFS]

Marner was 6' 180lbs his draft year. I highly doubt that.

If I remember his combine correctly, it was like 5'11 or 5'10 1/2, and 159.2 or something.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Half of you would kill for Travis Konecny.. Lemme see.. Hmm also 5"10. This team drafted a player with heart and determination. Don't have nearly enough of these type of players.

If you wanted Konecny, we should have drafted Gauthier.

 

[francis246]

Marner was 6' 180lbs his draft year. I highly doubt that.

Marner was 5’11 160lbs his draft year

 

[Stephen]

Minten dealt with injuries and was on one of the best teams in the CHL and usually was on their second line and tasked with a lot of defensive responsibility. If he played on a worse team it would have likely benefited his statline with more pp time and minutes. He still had a fine season. He will likely have a big season here with Bankier leaving junior.

I think it was Mike Futa who was quite negative about Minten on Real Kyper but he did cite injuries and running out of gas as factors.