Cowan is not a "clearly better prospect" then Lardis. Never was really. Two different type of players. Lardis more skilled with better instincts but Cowan with that dog on a bone style of play. Just depends on what's more appealing to you. Going into the 2023 draft Lardis was ahead in most scouting publications but Cowan ended up being chosen first so for sure the Maple Leafs preferred Cowan but a lot of other teams may have like Lardis better. Personally I like Lardis better as a fit for the Hawks at this point in time. We could certainly use the goals he appears to specialize in manufacturing.
Not to say Lardis would have done any better but Cowan sure was a disappointment in his role for Team Canada at the recent WJC. Not entirely his fault as he never should have been on the first line and counted upon for his offense in the first place. He would have been much more effective in an energy role.
Having said that, both Cowan and Lardis, have a heck of a lot of work to put in to get to the next level.
It'll be interesting to compare the damage they both do in the AHL next year when they're with new teams and teammates.