EASTON COWAN

2025-09-02

Scout: Chris

C

Toronto Maple Leafs

28 Overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs (2023 NHL Entry Draft)

Skating:

Cowan is a strong straight-ahead skater despite bent over skating stride, but lacks elite top end gear. His edgework and agility is top notch, allowing him to deftly maneuver through traffic. His high motor is always on displays and he consistently plays with pace.

Passing/Handling:

Cowan's is a tremendous playmaker and puck distributor, flashing slick skill plays and touches to create opportunities for teammates. As a result he was often seen manning the point on the London Knight's power play. A confident puck handler who is unafraid to dangle in and out of traffic, but will have to learn better puck management skills at the next level as he will often try to do too much instead of opting for the simple play.

Shooting:

Cowan boasts a strong wrist shot with quick release but will need to improve on shot selection, minimizing shots from low danger areas.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Cowan consistently displays elite on ice awareness in all zones. He routinely displays patience, holding onto the puck to create lanes for his teammates. His low panic threshold is always on display.

Forechecking:

Cowan is an excellent forechecker, leveraging his above average motor and on ice awareness to pressure the opposition. While Cowan is not a true banger, he both initiates and plays well off of contact.

Defense:

Cowan is a trusted defender who uses his smarts and stick to break up plays. He has also emerged as a dangerous penalty killer and is routinely counted on to help close out games with when holding the lead.

Best Asset:

Cowan's best asset is his versatility. He his skillset and IQ blend into a well rounded game where he has been counted on in all situations.

Biggest Concern:

Under-sized player who is not an elite skater. True to his "Cowboy" nickname, Cowan can be reckless and will need to relieve himself of his junior habits to gain the trust of coaches at subsequent levels.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Cowan likely tops out with 2nd line offensive output but will bring energy, versatility and a 200-foot game.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He's a toolsy player with great IQ and drive to succeed. He will benefit from an extended stay in the AHL to build strength and adapt to the pro game.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

High end 3rd liner. 40 point upside special team merchant who will inject energy into the lineup.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Cowan is not blessed with size or blazing speed. Failure to mature his game and eliminate bad habits will minimize his opportunities and eventual upside.

Stylistic Comparable:

Brad Marchand - fearless, Swiss army knife style player that can move up and down the lineup and be counted on in all situations. Cowan thrives on the big moments, never backs down, and leaves it all on the ice. He may never be an elite offensive weapon but his versatility will be impactful.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Games Scouted:

4

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2024-05-13

Scout: Craig Wise

Right Wing

Toronto Maple Leafs

28 Overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs (2023 NHL Entry Draft)

Skating:

Above average, Cowan is able to hit the puck with speed and is able to use his edges to elude defenders. He has the top end speed to break away from defenders and win the puck races.

Passing/Handling:

Above average, always seems to be one step ahead and able to find an open teammate or make a quick one touch pass that creates an offensive rush.

Shooting:

Cowan loves to shoot, snapping the puck towards the net whenever he is in the offensive zone. He has an average shot, but he is not the go to shooter on the PP. That being said when the puck does come to him, he is able to beat goalies with a quick one timer.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Average to above average. Cowans passing in tight coverage shows very little panic, however being a skilled player he also makes more mistakes than the average player. The majority of careless turnovers I saw were early in the season and it did seem like he improved on this as the season went on.

Forechecking:

Average, he's not going to be the hard forechecker chasing down defenders but he sure is great at getting in passing lanes and causing turnovers. That being said, when the opportunity for a hit presents itself he will take it, especially late in games and down by a few goals. I watched a game live against Sarnia and as the score got further apart you could see his demeaner change and got chippier and chippier until he finally dropped the gloves.

Defense:

Average, being a winger he sure is active and covers well in his own end. He is a great penalty killer getting in the lanes and not afraid to block shots.

Best Asset:

Cowans best asset is his shiftiness, eluding defenders and finding an open teammate.

Biggest Concern:

My biggest concern is him being able to do this at the next level with more skillful and faster defenders. I don't think this will entirely be an issue, just might have to refine and play a safer game.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

65-75 points top 6 potential

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He has the moves and passing ability to fit into a top 6 role. With an average shot he will be able to finish off a few goals as well.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

55-65 points, top 6

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Cowans style of play isn't suitable for a bottom 6 role, and I think he has the pure skill to make the NHL which lands him in a top 6 role.

Stylistic Comparable:

"Watching Cowan he reminds me of a Marner light, with his shiftiness and smooth passing ability. In addition to him causing turnovers by shifting into the lanes of oncoming passes and fearless ability on the PK.

With this being said, I do not expect the points Marner puts up, Cowan plays more of a game to the outer edges unlike Marner finding open ice in the center."

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Leafs should be happy with there late first round pick. He looks like he could be contributing to the team in the next 2-3 years.

Games Scouted:

Saginaw, Flint, Owen Sound, Kitchener