Easton Cowan has looked a lot different in Traverse City compared to how he did at Maple Leafs development camp in July.
The 18-year-old is playing in his first NHL prospects tournament, centring Toronto's second line. With most of the eyes on Matthew Knies, there didn't seem to be many expectations for a player like Cowan.
"Just to learn lots," he said of what he hopes to take away from the Traverse City Prospects Tournament.
The other thing he had hoped for? To play against "good competition."
Toronto got off to a rough start on Thursday with a long delay and then a tough loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets prospects. But that didn't stop the 18-year-old from coming out on Friday and making a very strong impression.
Cowan's goal this summer was to get bigger and stronger and to work on his first three strides. He said he felt as though those goals were achieved. And it's definitely shown through 120 minutes of game action.
The 18-year-old has been playing in all situations for the Maple Leafs prospects and has looked particularly good on the penalty kill. It also appears as though he and his linemates, Roni Hirvonen and Ryan Tverberg, have developed some chemistry.
Cowan's confidence and strength came to the forefront during Friday's game. Never did it seem like he was afraid to carry the puck or make the quick play. Watching him play made it feel as though the 18-year-old had already played in this tournament a couple of times before.
There are a few other things that stand out about Cowan. One: he plays a bigger game. What I mean by that is, although he stands on the smaller side of six feet tall, Cowan skates and approaches opponents as if he's on the taller side.
Another aspect that fascinates me is his motor. The 18-year-old never stops moving or playing. Cowan is forever hounding pucks and will do almost anything to get the puck off of his opponent.
Those first three strides that he said he worked on this summer seem to have also improved. It seemed as though his opponents weren't expecting him to be as fast as he was on Friday.
That's going to be an aspect of his game that will bring him a lot of success in London this year. If Cowan's first three steps are frustrating the top prospects on NHL teams, imagine what he'll be able to do in the OHL.
Two games in the books at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. This third and final game on Sunday, to me, will be a true test of whether Cowan has taken another stride in his development or not.
But the first impressions? They're good.
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