Insider Shares Why Easton Cowan Will Be a Game-Changer for Team Canada at World Juniors
NHL top prospect evaluator predicts the one major factor that can make Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan a key contributor for Team Canada.
In his second World Juniors wearing the red and white, Cowan is expected to play a big part for the Canadians in this year's tournament, and analst Craig Button believes there's a certain aspect in Cowan's game that makes him poised to be one of the team's best players.
On TSN, Button breaks down the one reason Cowan is a player to watch.
Missed the early part of the selection camp, but he is showing that he can be a real significant player for Team Canada. You look at what he did for the London Knights, he understands that the bigger the game is, the harder the challenges are.
He needs to rise up and that's exactly what Easton does and everything in his game can revolve around him and he's not going to feel any sense that he can't get it done because he's always gotten it done."
Cowan The Potential X-Factor In Canada's Quest For Gold
Cowan is one of two Leafs prospects who'll be in this year's World Juniors alongside Czechia's Miroslav Holinka, a fifth round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, 151st overall.
Cowan played for the Canadians in last year's World Juniors tournament but suffered a disappointing quarterfinals exit to Czechia last time around.
Tracked data showed that Cowan had a decent tournament despite the end result, with two points in five games, although Team Canada captain and fellow Maple Leaf prospect Fraser Minten found a difficult time leading.
Easton Cowan, currently in the OHL with the London Knights, has 15 goals and 28 points in 20 games played this season.
Having been successful in the OHL and poised to potentially make the jump to the NHL as soon as next season, one major thing left missing from Cowan's junior resume is gold on the international stage.
Canada, looking to rebound after one of their worst finishes in WJC history, will be relying on Cowan to be an important part of a deep roster that can't repeat the disappointment of last year.
Canada starts its tournament on December 26th against Finland, playing on TSN & NHL Network at 7:30ET/4:30PT.
