Leafs’ Easton Cowan ranks 48th on Daily Faceoff’s Top 75 NHL-affiliated skater prospects list

Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis released his latest rankings of the top 75 NHL-affiliated skater prospects and if you’re a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, there isn’t a lot to get excited about.

Easton Cowan is the lone Maple Leafs prospect on the list, coming in at No. 48. Cowan was previously ranked No. 35 on last year’s list. He is widely expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp, after winning Memorial Cup MVP with the London Knights, capping off a decorated major junior career.

Here’s what Ellis wrote about Cowan:

Cowan has proven himself to be a big-game performer quite often in his young career. Sure, his World Junior showing was a bit ugly. But with 96 points in 60 OHL playoff games over the past four years – in which he led the playoffs in scoring in consecutive years – it’s clear he can rise to the occasion when needed. The skilled, hard-working forward is a great passer, loves to rush the puck up the ice and has some good speed, too. He’s set to play his first year of pro hockey, and while I think he could play in the NHL this year, some time with the Marlies wouldn’t hurt.

Ellis ranked the Maple Leafs’ prospect pool as the 24th-best in the NHL, with Cowan and Ben Danford as the headliners. Toronto is in the midst of a win-now window, which ultimately hasn’t led to an elusive Stanley Cup, but it accounts for its relative lack of young NHL talent within its system. Cowan may be a home run pick, exceeding expectations thus far after being selected 28th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and he’ll be afforded every shot to make the team this fall, after getting an extended look in camp last fall.

Where do you think Cowan should be ranked, and should there be more Leafs on the list? We’d love to hear what you think about it.