Leafs' first round draft pick models his game after two fan-favourite former Leafs
The first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft came to a close with several winners and tons of surprises. First of all, there were no trades to announce during the first round and it wasn't all too shocking considering some of the wild card choices that made certain teams want to keep their draft pick after all.
The Arizona Coyotes dipped into the Russian-pool and drafted Dmitry Simashev at #6 and Daniil But at #12, both of whom were projected to be drafted a little later. The Anaheim Ducks threw an early curveball by drafting Leo Carlsson instead of Adam Fantilli and the Philadelphia Flyers nabbed Matvei Michkov 7th.
As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they stayed put after weeks of rumours surrounding their 28th overall pick. Many believed that it would've been traded for immediate help but instead Brad Treliving and company decided to draft Easton Cowan. As Sam Cosentino so bluntly stated as Cowan was making his way to the podium, the 18-year-old was sitting so high in the stands that even he must've been shocked to have been drafted in the first round.
With Andrew Cristall, Riley Heidt, and Mikhail Gulyayev still on the board, the Leafs went with the London Knights product, who stated after the selection that he tries to model his game after Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk - two former Maple Leafs. He scored 20 goals and 53 points in 68 games during his first season with the Knights, while chipping in with 9 goals and 21 points in 20 post-season tilts.
The draft rankings had him all over the place but mostly as a 2nd rounder and perhaps drifting into the 3rd round for some. Bob McKenzie had him ranked 53rd, McKeen's Hockey had him 78th, and Recruit Scouting had him 87th. Craig Button did have him at #34, however.
The youngster stands at 5'10 and 170 lbs and is raring to get his feet wet with the Maple Leafs somewhere down the road. If he's anything like Kadri or van Riemsdyk, then the Leafs drafted a diamond in the rough late in the first round.
With a full season under his belt, look for Cowan to take on more responsibility in London next season and try to double his output in 2023-24. He has already been welcomed by Mitch Marner, who FaceTimed him right after he was drafted.
