Elliotte Friedman Shuts Down Easton Cowan Trade Rumors and Slams Online Trolls
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman didn't hold anything back regarding fans who were disappointed in how Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan performed at the World Juniors.
There has been a lot of talk regarding Easton Cowan's performance at the World Juniors this winter. Coming into the tournament a lot of pressure was on the Maple Leafs prospect to help Canada exorcise their result from last season.
However it was more of the same, as Canada was once again eliminated by Czechia, finishing with another disappointing result and Cowan got most of the blame for his lack of performance. One NHL Insider however has taken critics to town when it comes to the prospect.
Elliotte Friedman Calls Out Fans Who Are Criticizing Easton Cowan
It's not too often you find Friedman getting a bit hot under the collar when it comes to players, but something must have irked him when it comes to Cowan. Speaking on The FAN 590, the Insider opened up about the critics who are belittling his performance:
I see people saying, oh, they should trade him. Number one, his value will never be lower than it is now. And number two, I think it's bananas to give up on someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.»
It's a wild turnaround to go from being excited about a potential future superstar for years to a potential trade chip solely based on a tournament that has shown in recent years that Canada is not the only powerhouse in international hockey.
Cowan broke the unofficial OHL point streak record this season, is on pace for another fantastic year, and has shown why even a late pick can blossom into a superstar.
Fans giving up on his so soon is a bit of an overreaction, and he's still learning the game each time he steps on the ice.
Was his production less than what fans expected? Sure, but this isn't Sidney Crosby or Jonathan Toews; Cowan while great is not of the generational ilk as former World Juniors representatives were.
But he still managed to tie with Brayden Yager for top spot in points with three.
He made headlines this week when he took a needless penalty against the American side, and was taunted by forward Cole Eiserman after USA netted a powerplay goal.
Cowan will have to head back to London without a successful finish in the World Juniors but he can take solace in knowing that he is going to pick up right where he left off before the tournament started.
