Toronto Maple Leafs Top Prospects Given Major Honours By Opposing Head Coaches

The future looks bright for the Toronto Maple Leafs, not only thanks to having locked up core players like William Nylander and Auston Matthews but also because of exciting prospects in their system like Easton Cowan and Ben Danford.

Both players are currently suiting up in the Ontario Hockey League; Cowan, Toronto's 1st round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, plays for the London Knights, while Danford, Toronto's 1st round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, plays for the Oshawa Generals.

And there's special reason for the excitement that Leafs fans have over their pair of highly-touted prospects. The Ontario Hockey League recently conducted its annual coach's poll:

Danford was named the best defensive defenseman and best-shot blocker in the OHL's Eastern Conference, while Cowan was named the Western Conference's 3rd best penalty killer and its best shootout shooter.

Danford has 25 points (5G, 20A) in 61 games with the Generals this year, while Cowan has 69 points (29G, 40A) in 46 games with the Knights.

This is Danford's second time being voted as best defensive defenseman in the Eastern Conference, winning the same honor last season as well as finishing second as best shot blocker.

Despite Danford's lack of production, teams have noted Danford's strong defensive capabilities and ability to use his body to defend chances, showcasing strong defensive positioning and IQ along with a natural physical prowess.

Danford's mature defensive game has drawn comparisons to current Maple Leaf Chris Tanev in his style of play.

Cowan has survived what was an uncertain future in Toronto after being linked as a potential trade target for rival teams.

Ultimately, Cowan remained a Leaf while fellow top prospects Fraser Minten & Nikita Grebenkin were shipped out. Cowan is highly valued in Toronto's system, with a good chance of him being on the Leafs roster as early as next season.

It was a bit of a down year for Cowan, with just 69 points in 46 games; Cowan has re-emerged with eight points in three playoff games for London.

Two remaining key prospects for the Toronto Maple Leafs in what was a selling off of youth assets, the team still has high belief in their two top youngsters, and it seems many in Hockey have taken note of just how impactful Easton Cowan and Ben Danford really are, and can be in the future.