Former NHL GM compares Easton Cowan to a beloved Leafs legend
Easton Cowan is absolutely lighting up the OHL this season. He's made his way onto the scoresheet in 36 straight games as his London Knights head into the playoffs. Now, one TSN analyst has compared him to a Leafs legend.
After earning his way into a few pre-season games with the Leafs this season, many expect Cowan to be an NHL player next year. According to TSN scout and former NHL GM Craig Button, however, Cowan would be better off staying put for another season.
In Button's defense, he had some reasoning behind his suggestion. Both Easton Cowan and Oliver Bonk were drafted by the Knights, but both were sent to Junior A or Junior B teams for their age 16 seasons. The end result for both was better overall development, which led to each of them being selected in the first round of last summer's NHL Entry Draft.
Maybe a year to develop physically wouldn't be the worst thing for Cowan, but after hearing Button talk about who Cowan reminds him of, I want this kid in the NHL as soon as possible.
He kills penalties, he's in the fight, he's in the battle, he's gonna be there every single time. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe he's closer to playing - well he is closer to playing - but I just think another year, go to the World Juniors, be a dominant player at the World Junior age group and then be ready. Coming [to the NHL] too soon hurts your confidence." - Button on Cowan
Imagine adding a young, gritty, point scoring, penalty killing, occasional glove dropping forward to the Leafs' current core. That's exactly what will happen when Easton Cowan joins the fold, whether it's next season or the one after. The Leafs have found something special in this kid. I can't wait to see him in the blue and white.
| POLL | ||
MARS 26 | 280 ANSWERS Former NHL GM compares Easton Cowan to a beloved Leafs legend Should Easton Cowan be a Maple Leaf next season? | ||
| Not yet, one more year | 75 | 26.8 % |
| Get him in the NHL ASAP, we need him! | 64 | 22.9 % |
| If he has a solid pre-season, give him 9 games | 141 | 50.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
