On Tuesday of last week, 2023 first-round pick Easton Cowan was named to Team Canada's World Junior selection camp.
Unfortunately for the 19-year-old, just days later, he was forced to leave his OHL game against the Oshawa Generals after taking a massive hit in the neutral zone, which left him very shaken up and clearly in distress.
Cowan had unofficially set the CHL record of 56 consecutive games with a point dating back to last season, which eclipsed the previous record held by Leafs' Alum Doug Gilmour. He unofficially set a new record as his streak stretched across two seasons, where Gilmour completed the feat in the 1982-83 season, which still stands as the official record.
While the full nature of his injury is currently unknown, Hockey Canada revealed on Monday that Cowan is still going to attend the selection camp, but will be unavailable to participate in on-ice activities.
Losing Cowan before the tournament even begins would be a huge blow to Canada as they look to bounce back after a forgettable fifth-place finish after being eliminated by Czechia in the quarter-finals at last year's tournament.
A surprising pick by the Leafs in 2023, Cowan has quickly become one of the top prospects around the NHL.
Despite a seemingly average training camp that eventually saw him returned to the OHL, Cowan has used his cut as fuel.
Over his 56-game point streak Cowan has collected an impressive 94 points (38 goals, 56 assists) and has tallied 28 points in 20 games for the London Knights so far this season.
POLL | ||
9 DECEMBRE | 2671 ANSWERS Leafs Receive Some Potentially Concerning News Regarding Prospect Easton Cowan Do you think Cowan should still make the team even though he is not able to skate at camp? | ||