Value of: Best top 6 center available for 2026 1st+Robertson+Cowan

[GCK]

Cowan is even a year older, and tied with a 4th rounder on the same team.

They were born 4 days apart.

 

[GCK]

The OHL record breaking point scoring streak that stretches nearly 2 seasons.

I don't care if he's tied in points with a Sens 4th rounder because chances are that Sens 4th rounder has played more games because Cowan played at the world Jr. tournament.

That Sens 4th rounder does not have a record breaking point scoring streak going.

The 2 aren't the same, not even close but you and others are trying to say they are.

They are not.

Easton Cowan 28 games 17G 21A +11
Blake Montgomery 31 games 19G 19A +29

But Cowan has a point streak because that’s important.

 

[Golden_Jet]

They were born 4 days apart.

Oh ya, 16 days apart, you’re right, that makes it even funnier thanks, didn’t realize Montgomery the 4th rounder, didn’t even get drafted in his draft year.

I just looked at draft years and assumed a year older.

 

[McJedi]

So who is out there? IMO this is a huge pkg and I expect to see some decent names available

Brock Nelson + something else from the NYI.

 

[GCK]

Brock Nelson + something else from the NYI.

In all honesty a 2026 1st + Cowan should get Nelson.

 

[iago]

Brock Nelson would cost more. He’s a fantastic player, and proven playoff performer. Can’t see Lou wanting Robertson.

I agree. Nobody wants Robertson, and Cowans value plummeted after the WJC.

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

That package is worth WAY more than Brock Nelson.

Brock Nelson would be a rental a guy like Cowan doesn't go for a rental.

Lmao.

A guy like Cowan

 

[GCK]

The leafs should have used Cowan last year to get a centre. His value is diminished this year.

 

[Atomos2]

Getting 3 points in the tournament isn’t helping your case.

It did for Matthew Knies. How valuable is he in this discussion?

Fun to see prospects develop and come back to slap the doubters in their face.

 

[Atomos2]

Easton Cowan 28 games 17G 21A +11
Blake Montgomery 31 games 19G 19A +29

But Cowan has a point streak because that’s important.

It's called consistency. Over running up the score against shitty teams.

 

[seanlinden]

This is kind of a backwards way of thinking...

Step 1 is to determine what centre you want... Step 2 is to determine what might appeal to the team that has the aforementioned centre.

Yes, Robertson, Cowan and a 1st is going ot have a fair bit of value, but isn't likely going to cause a team to move a centre that they would otherwise not really consider moving. There's also no real impetus for the Leafs to "need" to move Cowan or their 1st -- those assets will retain their value for some time.

As for Robertson, maybe he's of appeal to the holder of whatever centre they are after, maybe he's not and just shipped off separately in a change-of-scenery type deal.

 

[seanlinden]

Lol yeah we'll take Brock Nelson, 30 goal scorer, two way stud with size, and absolute playoff dog for:

a mid to late first in a bad draft
an undersized ahl F
the face of Canada's most recent national embarrassment on ice

The OHL record breaking point scoring streak that stretches nearly 2 seasons.

I don't care if he's tied in points with a Sens 4th rounder because chances are that Sens 4th rounder has played more games because Cowan played at the world Jr. tournament.

That Sens 4th rounder does not have a record breaking point scoring streak going.

The 2 aren't the same, not even close but you and others are trying to say they are.

They are not.

It's not unreasonable to suggest that Cowan's value has taken a bit of a hit over the past 6 months. He produced at 1.78 points per game last year on his way to leading the Knights to a Memorial Cup final appearance.

This year he failed to crack the Leaf lineup, got hurt, came back for the WJCs (probably not 100%), and overall, is producing at a 1.36 point per game pace.

That being said, even throwing Robertson's value out for a moment... to suggest that Cowan & a 1st is some sort of overpayment for Brock Nelson is a little outrageous IMO. The guy is a 33-year old Rental, who is currently producing at a 23 goal /50 point pace. Yes, he's been well into the 30s fror goals the past 3 seasons so there's probably a bit more in the tank there, but at the end of the day to a contending team he's most likely a secondary piece.

Mikael Granlund is having a little bit better year production-wise, and was traded, along with Cody Ceci, for a 1st and a 4th with a little bonus condition.

Comparing Nelson's value to Horvat's is a little ridiculous. Horvat was 27 years old at the time, and even though he was an impending free agent, viewed as a likely cornerstone piece for any team acquiring him.

Call me crazy, but if the Isles do put Nelson on the market, I think they'll get a first, but the package beyond that won't be much.

 

[McJedi]

In all honesty a 2026 1st + Cowan should get Nelson.

I agree. Feels like a bit of an overpay by the TMLs in my opinion.