Good News:Two promising Maple Leafs prospects have been selected to attend Hockey Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase.It was expected that…
It was expected that Easton Cowan would be chosen, given his first-round draft status, impressive OHL point streak, accolades, and the fact that he’s a returning player. The potential issue might arise if Cowan secures a spot on the Maple Leafs roster, making him unavailable for the post-Christmas tournament. However, that would be a positive dilemma for the Maple Leafs to manage.
Cowan made his World Juniors debut last year, tallying a goal and an assist in five games after his unexpected addition to the roster. This time around, Cowan is expected to play a more prominent role and could even emerge as a team leader, given his experience. He faces competition for a spot among 23 other forwards, with his London Knights contributing four players to Hockey Canada’s camp.
Meanwhile, Noah Chadwick is aiming to impress in his bid to join Team Canada. The 6’4 defenseman had a strong season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, marking a breakout offensive performance last year and assuming a larger role with his WHL team.
Chadwick stands as the tallest among the 13 defensemen invited to the Hockey Canada camp, a factor that enhances his chances of securing a roster spot.
Although Ben Danford, the Maple Leafs’ latest first-round pick, wasn’t included in the summer camp invite, his potential remains undiminished. Like Cowan last year, who wasn’t part of the summer camp but proved himself with a strong start in London and a solid showing at the pre-tournament camp, Danford still has opportunities to showcase his abilities and earn consideration for the team.
