Report: Maple Leafs prospect officially considered a "lock" for Team Canada

After defying the odds and making the Team Canada roster for the World Junior Championship tournament last season, Easton Cowan showed up to the World Junior Summer Showcase this year with one goal in mind; to work hard and make the team again this year.

Top prospects Oliver Bonk, Zayne Parekh and Denver Barkey are 3 players who are also expected to make this year's WJC roster for Canada and each of them raved about Cowan's game this week, with Bonk calling Cowan "insanely impressive" and an "insanely skilled player". Parekh also acknowledged Cowan as one of the most consistent players in the entire OHL.

There was a lot of competition at the Summer Showcase this year, but as TSN's Mark Masters reported this week, Cowan was sent home from camp early, indicating that he is a lock for Team Canada, as long as he doesn't make the Maple Leafs this season. However, even if he does make the Leafs, the team will still have the option of allowing Cowan to attend the tournament.

Cowan exploded offensively in 2023-24, recording an incredible 96 points in just 54 games for the London Knights, who captured an OHL championship this year. Cowan was also named both the regular season and playoffs MVP in the OHL.

Source: Mark Masters, TSN
Cowan helps Canada establish 'chip-on-shoulder' mindset at World Junior camp