Leafs' top pick in 2023 promoted to top line, scores beauty rush goal in pre-season action
When the Maple Leafs stepped up to the podium at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, I don't think Easton Cowan's name was one that many expected to be called. However, with the 28th overall pick in the draft, that's exactly who the Leafs selected.
Cowan had an impressive second half of last season in London with the OHL's London Knights and absolutely exploded in the playoffs, notching 21 points in 20 games. Now, he appears to be picking up right where he left off.
Cowan had opened the Knights' preseason on the 2nd line, but saw himself promoted to the top line for yesterday's preseason game against the Sarnia Sting. Cowan made his presence felt in the contest, ripping home this beauty off the rush:
The 18-year-old forward is not looking to prove doubters wrong as much as he's looking to prove the Leafs right for selecting him late in the first round of this summer's draft. He'll now turn his attention to the upcoming Traverse City prospects tournament, where he'll represent the Leafs against rookies from Detroit, Columbus and Dallas.
Following the Traverse City tournament this week, Cowan is expected to travel to Toronto to attend his first NHL training camp with the Leafs before ultimately being sent back to London for the 2023-24 season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 11 | 336 ANSWERS Leafs' top pick in 2023 promoted to top line, scores beauty rush goal in pre-season action Do you think the Leafs made the right pick, selecting Easton Cowan with the 28th overall pick at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft? | ||
| Yes | 264 | 78.6 % |
| No | 72 | 21.4 % |
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