Drafted in the first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Easton Cowan didn't have much time to get to know former director of amateur scouting Wes Clark, but in speaking with the media at the World Junior Summer Showcase, Cowan revealed that in the short amount of time they got to know each other, Clark had a massive impact on his development.
Clark was poached by his good friend and former boss Kyle Dubas to join him in Pittsburgh as Dubas looks to rebuild the Penguins' prospect pool. It wasn't just Cowan that Clark had a major impact on, as he was a big advocate for drafting Noah Chadwick in the sixth round of the same draft.
"It sucks to see him go. He reached out, which was really nice of him," Chadwick said. "His message was on the daily improvement. To never be satisfied, especially getting to the NHL. It's (not) about getting a job, it's about keeping it."
While the the move was disappointing for Cowan and Chadwick at the time, the two have continued their off-season training and are hoping to not only make the Leafs out of training camp, but also securing their roster spots for this year's World Junior Championship tournament, which will kick off on Boxing Day.
Source: Mark Masters, TSN
Maple Leafs' draftees 'heartbroken' to see Wes Clark's departure
Source: Hockey DB
Easton Cowan Player Profile
POLL | ||
JUILLET 30 | 1494 ANSWERS One Maple Leafs departure has hit Easton Cowan very hard this summer If Easton Cowan sticks with the Leafs all year, what is a reasonable expectation for him, points wise? | ||
15 or less | 138 | 9.2 % |
16-25 | 490 | 32.8 % |
26-35 | 533 | 35.7 % |
36 or more | 333 | 22.3 % |
List of polls |