Dale Hunter Sends Strong Message on Easton Cowan That Could Excite Leafs Nation
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Easton Cowan is a player the Leafs are hoping can be able to insert himself into the lineup right away and potentially produce the offense necessary to be a key contributor for the Leafs to start his NHL career.
The Leafs aren't going to force rushing Cowan into the lineup, but are cautiously optimistic about his offensive upside being enough to make him a top-nine winger to start, something he'll have to prove to the team during training camp and the preseason.
Proving himself as ready for Cowan won't just come from his offense, but he will need to prove he's physically ready for the NHL and isn't overwhelmed and overpowered by the strength and talent of the league.
Some new comments may help ease Leafs fans, and show that potentially Easton is much ready for the show right away this upcoming season.
Dale Hunter Gives Strong Praise To Easton Cowan
Dale Hunter gave a very glowing endorsement on his former London Knights star Cowan, calling the young prospect a highly talented player who he has a clear belief in.
On Sportsnet 590's, "The Fan Morning Show", Hunter spoke on Cowan, and what he can bring to the Leafs dressing room right away.
Easton is a top player for Canada, and a top player for the London Knights, and he's gonna push to make the team and plsy well for the Leafs and every organization needs young guys pushing to make the team and he'll make the Leafs better, and he's gonna make it so that's a good thing for the Leafs.
Dale Hunter believes that Easton Cowan will eventually make the Toronto Maple Leafs better, and that day could come as soon as this season, with Cowan potentially an impact player as he steps onto the ice.
The hope will be that Easton Cowan is able to prove not just that he's ready to handle the pro level, but can handle the physicality too and push to make it into being an eventual effective top forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs long-term.
Will Easton Cowan Contribute For Toronto Right Away?
As noted prior, Easton Cowan's game will have to factor how well he handles the intensity of the NHL, not just how many points he can put up.
Even if the offense gets going, Cowan needs to prove physically he belongs and can match up energy wise with the pace of play and not get overwhelmed or make mistakes.
It's not the end of the world if Cowan needs a year in the AHL to get up to speed and get his game ready to the level it needs to be for the NHL.
Cowan can't be expected to replace the loss of Mitch Marner right away, maybe in a few years he can take over from his fellow former Knight and become that replacement, but he needs time and effort to get there, and the right management.
However Easton Cowan gets to the show, and when, will take patience and letting him get to a point where he's able to give his best self, and not rush him into becoming an unfinished product.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 31 | 1422 ANSWERS Dale Hunter Sends Strong Message on Easton Cowan That Could Excite Leafs Nation Can Easton Cowan be a top-six forward right away? | ||
| Yes | 753 | 53 % |
| No | 669 | 47 % |
| List of polls | ||
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