Analyst Believes Top Prospect Could Be a Perfect Fit Beside Auston Matthews
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Prospect analyst Steven Ellis' latest feature regarding Easton Cowan shows that the Toronto Maple Leafs should try and see if putting him with Auston Matthews works.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot to be excited about when it comes to Easton Cowan. Not only is he an offensive phenom, but he might add a bit more edge and tenacity than some initially thought.
He's scrappy and he's got a lot of promise, but there are always questions about if he is ready for a big time role, or if the team should give him smaller roles in order to acclimate him to the NHL.
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Although for The Daily Faceoff's prospect analyst Steven Ellis, the team should perhaps take a look and see if Cowan; a former London Knight, can find chemistry with Auston Matthews much like Mitch Marner once did:
I think like a safe bet as a middle six winger.
I think he'll he could play on the top line, like you could put him on that right side if Maccelli doesn't work out in the long run, and he's going to be able to handle playing with quality players.
When you play in London you're surrounded by quality players all the time.
I think he'll he could play on the top line, like you could put him on that right side if Maccelli doesn't work out in the long run, and he's going to be able to handle playing with quality players.
When you play in London you're surrounded by quality players all the time.
That's some huge praise for Cowan, who fans are expecting to be the second coming of Mitch Marner. That isn't going to happen although he could end up putting up 60-70 points while adding more of an edge than Marner.
Plus, he adds a bit more grit and fire than Marner, and his tenacity to fight for pucks and relentlessly forecheck will allow him to quickly regain the puck and find Matthews to create some magic.
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There's not much left for him to accomplish, he's won everything in junior hockey and seems too good for the Marlies. He deserves a true shot at cracking the roster out of camp, and if he can end up being paired with Matthews early on; it could spell great success going forward.
It would be a stretch to say Cowan is going to come in immediately and produce and it might take him a few games to get into the swing of things, and fans can't get too frustrated if he doesn't come out of the gate hot; patience will pay off.
You also have several Maple Leafs becoming free agents next season, Cowan can end up playing himself into a regular spot; and help the team move on from certain names.
Though, you can't say that he hasn't been impressive with 220 points in 175 games for the Knights. Cowan also won MVP, Playoff MVP, two OHL Championships, and a Memorial Cup and is one of the greatest Knights to ever suit up.
With training camp a huge turning point in his career, Cowan is going to be fighting tooth and nail for his spot, much like he did every night as a member of the Knights.
It wouldn't be surprising to see him make it, but where he lines up on opening night is an interesting debate.
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