Elite play earning Leafs prospect a ton of respect and admiration

The 2023 28th overall pick was originally viewed as a bit of a reach on the draft floor in Nashville last June, but after putting up 90 points in 51 games and playing big minutes in all situations, and putting up an unbelievable 33-game point streak for the London Knights this season, it's becoming apparent that Cowan may be a special player destined for big things with the Leafs.

Last night, the 18-year-old forward's soft hands, elite vision and high hockey IQ were on full display when he fed a precision backhand saucer pass past two defenders and straight onto the stick of a teammate who made no mistake, allowing Cowan to extend his point streak to 33 games.

Cowan's current point streak is the longest point streak in London Knights history, OHL history, and the 4th-longest streak in CHL history, behind only Connor Bedard (36 games), Sidney Crosby (37 games) and Alexander Radulov (50 games).

Yes, there are players who have performed very well in junior who don't fair as well in the NHL, but with Cowan's skill set not being limited to just his offensive instincts, he stands a much better chance of finding success at the highest level. Cowan's status as an elite penalty killer in the OHL also shows how solid his defensive instincts are as well. Not only that, but this kid's work ethic is off the charts.

I've come under fire in the past for suggesting that this kid would go much higher in a re-draft, but watching him do things like this just affirms my belief in him as a player and as one of the best prospects not currently playing in the NHL.