I really don't think there is plenty of good competition, unless Grebyonkin comes over.
If you mean there might be several Marlies who are more mature, not as talented, not as gifted, not with the same drive, but more experienced yes.
Who have been the call-ups this year? Steeves 1 game?
Their Marlies prospects look underwhelming, and not top 6 capable.
Will Cowan be ready? I don't know. I'd say if they are looking for top 6 though, they aren't likely finding it on the Marlies. Maybe Quillan has top 6 potential, hard to know, but yes he is 22 years old, so physically more mature. I don't know, Quillan, just watched a highlight package that included him and mates, but he seemed to be beneficiary of plays not the creator. Obviously, highlight packages don't show 200 foot game, they usually are like 50' from the net inward.
Cowan will only be 19, and not a lot of 19 year olds in the league.
Yes, he can continue to learn and develop in the OHL, if it is required. This is where the CHL-NHL agreement with regards to AHL deployment comes up short.