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Corey Pronman details what to expect from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system. This page will be updated throughout the 2023 NHL Draft.
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Draft Class
28. Easton Cowan, RW, LONDON (OHL)
May 20, 2005 | 5′ 10″ | 170 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Background: Cowan’s stock trended up as the season went along. A second-round pick in his OHL Draft, Cowan became an important all-situations forward for a top OHL team this season in London.
Analysis: Cowan is a quick and competitive winger. He plays with a lot of energy and courage, not shying from getting to the net or engaging in after-the-whistle activities. Cowan has good skills and enough hockey sense to make you think he’ll score as a pro, but whether there’s enough pure offense in his game is a question, especially as a barely 5-foot-11 player. His scoring in the OHL postseason was encouraging though.
Thoughts on the pick: Cowan is a bit of a surprise at 28. He’s a player who was rising all season, played a big role on a top CHL club and I thought was a strong candidate to go in the second round. He skates and competes well, and has offense. I didn’t see the high-end offense or athletic profile for 28. The Leafs obvious disagreed, and are getting a true competitor in Cowan. Time will tell if this works for them.
153. Hudson Malinoski, C, BROOKS (AJHL)
May 19, 2004 | 6′ 0″ | 175 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Background: A second-year draft eligible who experienced a later-than-usual growth spurt, Malinoski was a top player in the AJHL this season and for Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge. He is committed to Providence College.
Analysis: Malinoski’s skating is quite intriguing. He has a fluid, powerful stride that will let him carry pucks up ice in the pro game. He has a good stick and offensive instincts and can make highly skilled plays on the move. He’s played some center in junior but I’m guessing he’s a winger against better players. That’s mostly because I don’t see him as a great off-the-puck type or that physical a forward, although he doesn’t shy from going to the net. If he adds more of those dimensions there are a lot of pieces here of an NHL forward.
