Dale Hunter’s Confidence in Easton Cowan
Dale Hunter, the head coach of the London Knights, expressed confidence in Easton Cowan’s potential to secure a spot on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster during the upcoming training camp. Speaking from the World Junior Summer Showcase in Minneapolis, where he is currently guiding Team Canada, Hunter discussed Cowan’s impressive final season in junior hockey during an interview with The Fan Morning Show hosts Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning.
Cowan’s Impressive Performance
In the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs, the 20-year-old forward showcased his skills by netting 39 points, which included 13 goals and 26 assists across 17 games. Cowan’s efforts culminated in a Memorial Cup victory with the Knights in June, where he stood out as the tournament’s top scorer and earned the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP), thus finishing his junior career on a high note right before turning professional.
Hunter’s Optimism
Given his development over the years, Hunter is optimistic about Cowan’s readiness for the NHL. He stated,
“He’s going to push to make the team and play well for the Leafs. Every organization needs young players striving for a spot, and that competition is beneficial for the Maple Leafs. I have faith he will make the roster, which would be fantastic for the team.”
Challenges and Improvements
One of Cowan’s challenges last year during the training camp was adjusting his game to shed the habits typical in junior hockey. Although he missed participating in the Maple Leafs’ development camp earlier this July, Cowan feels he has significantly improved his game since last year. He reflected,
“Last summer, I wasn’t performing at my current level. My puck management has definitely progressed, thanks to the support from the Knights organization.”
Preparing for the NHL
Cowan, who thrives in high-pressure games, acknowledged he has learned to elevate his performance when stakes are high and large crowds are present. However, making the jump from junior hockey to the NHL comes with its hurdles. Hunter emphasized that while junior players are still growing, NHL players are often bigger and physically dominant. He noted,
“The NHL is the best league worldwide, and players need to be prepared for the physicality it demands, especially over an 80-plus game season where consistency is key.”
Looking Ahead
In reflecting on Cowan’s progress, Maple Leafs assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser remarked,
“Only time will reveal how things will unfold. There’s a lot of anticipation surrounding his performance at training camp, but I’m confident that he will be ready and able to compete effectively.”
As Cowan gears up for the season, he will be training at a facility near London and focusing on building both strength and speed in preparation for the September training camp with the Maple Leafs. Hunter’s perspective and Cowan’s continuous improvement will be pivotal as both the player and team look forward to a promising season ahead.
