Canada to lean on Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan in world junior tournament

Easton Cowan had to bide his time.

Taken in the second round of the Ontario Hockey League's 2021 priority selection draft by the London Knights, he was initially bumped down two levels at age 16 for more seasoning.

Cowan took the demotion in stride. He accepted the constructive criticism. He worked on his game, confident of a return.

"We're in a day and age where everybody seems to be in such a rush to develop," Knights associate general manager Rob Simpson said. "Everything has to be now, now, now. It's a good example of being patient and sticking with the process.

"Everybody develops at different ages."

Cowan was a bit of a late bloomer. Now the 19-year-old selected 28th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2023 NHL draft is expected to be a focal point for Canada at the world junior hockey championship in Ottawa starting Dec. 26.

"We're just excited to play on home soil — it's something else," Cowan said. "Really looking forward to get going."

The six-foot, 185-pound forward has had it going in the OHL ever since last season with a 56-game point streak dating back to November 2023.

"Focusing on wins has helped me produce," the native of Mount Brydges, Ont, said of his astounding run with the Knights. "When you're not focusing on the points, that's when they're found."

Canadian defenceman Oliver Bonk, also Cowan's teammate in London, has watched his rise up close.

"No one really thought anything of him," said the blue liner. "He just turned it up and started to play his game. Now he's this skill guy we all know. He's really carried himself well."

Simpson said Cowan's attitude never once wavered, especially during the 2021-22 season with the Komoka Kings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

"Always had