Cowan, a fan favourite, keeps playing for his own favourites
Getting drafted by his favourite childhood NHL team was a thrill for Easton Cowan. Now signed to an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he’s looking to take his game to the next level with the London Knights this year.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
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Easton Cowan enjoyed a breakout rookie season in the OHL, doing so with his hometown team, the London Knights. Then, the Mount Brydges native was drafted by his favourite childhood NHL team — the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“It’s pretty special to get selected by the team I watched and cheered for growing up,” said the 18-year-old Cowan. “I wasn’t sure what to expect heading into the draft, but that was a great moment. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Maple Leafs selected Cowan with their first-round pick, taking the forward 28th overall in the NHL Draft, back on June 28.
That’s when the text messages started pouring in — from family, from friends, and even from a few of his favourite NHL players. Auston Matthews, John Tavares and Morgan Rielly messaged to welcome him to the club. Former Knight and current Leaf Mitch Marner even connected with Cowan through FaceTime.
“Getting texts from all those players was pretty cool,” said Cowan. “I’ll keep those texts forever, they’re pretty special to me.”
The draft process is a lengthy one. Players go through the combine, which can be both physically and mentally demanding. And then there’s the interview process, which some players consider one of the most stressful experiences leading up to draft day.
Cowan says he wasn’t sure what to expect. He was just focused on doing what he could to ensure he was prepared for whatever came his way.
“A bit nervous for the first one,” he said, “but then you get comfortable as the process goes on. I had a lot of interviews at the combine, and I was trying to feel out every team and be mentally prepared and ready to go.”
He felt good about his interview with the Maple Leafs.
“I thought Toronto liked me. They seemed interested, and the interview process went well. I was thrilled to get picked by them.”
And he is now following in the footsteps of some other talented Knights players who were selected in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs, including Nazem Kadri, Mitch Marner and Darryl Sittler.
Cowan was selected six picks after one of his London Knights’ teammates, Oliver Bonk, who went to the Philadelphia Flyers 22nd overall. The pair spent the 2021-22 season playing in the GOJHL — Cowan with the Komoka Kings, and Bonk with the St. Thomas Stars. (Knights forward Jacob Julien, who also played in the GOJHL that year, with the London Nationals, was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the fifth round).
Four Knights in total were drafted, as Denver Barkey joined Bonk in Philadelphia when the Flyers selected him in the third round.
Cowan says that to have three players go through similar paths (himself, Bonk and Julien), from Junior B, on to the OHL, and then eventually to the NHL draft, is pretty special.
“To go through Junior B with them was pretty cool. We were on different teams, so it was fun facing each other, but now we’re on the same team trying to win a championship together. Those guys work hard and they deserve it.”
Both Cowan and Bonk missed their OHL draft eligible season in 2020-21 due to pandemic-related restrictions, so having that year of junior B to adjust to the level was instrumental to their development.
“Getting that experience in Junior B, while still being able to practice with the Knights and get into some OHL games … and then play a little bit come playoff time … it really helped me get ready for this past year,” said Cowan, who scored 20 goals and tallied 53 points in 68 regular season games for the Knights during their highly successful 2022-23 season.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
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And the youngster was even better in the playoffs. In 20 games, he scored nine goals and racked up 21 points during London’s lengthy postseason run. He believes the current core group of players in London has a great deal of potential.
“It was an exciting run (last year), but unfortunately we came up just a little bit short. We’re hoping to build on that into this year,” said Cowan, adding that there will be a solid group returning to the club that reached the OHL Finals last season. “There's a lot to learn from the coaching staff here, and we’re fortunate to have a good group of guys here in London. I’ve been telling the boys I’m really excited to get back at it.”
Cowan is hoping to keep that momentum going. It’s been a big summer for him, trying to get stronger and faster. Going through Maple Leafs’ development camp gave him an idea of what he needs to work on to get to that next level.
“I got a good feel for the expectations and what it takes to be a pro,” said Cowan, who signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Leafs on Aug. 11. “I’ve been at the gym and on the ice as much as I can to just get better every day.”
Going into his second full OHL season, Cowan is looking to take the next steps in his development as he prepares himself for the future — and the highest levels of the game.
“I always try to be a good leader. I learned a lot from the older guys last year, so I’m looking to come in and have a big role with the team,” he said. “I’m going to do whatever I can to help us win every night — and also be there for the young guys throughout the year.”
The OHL Finals features London and Oshawa. It’s the West champion versus the East winner — with a trip to the Memorial Cup on the line. What’s in store? Our hockey columnist, Jake Jeffrey, breaks it down …