The Toronto Maple Leafs made the most surprising selection in the first round of this year's NHL Entry Draft.
Selecting Easton Cowan was considered a reach by many who follow the prospects throughout the year.
While Cowan is a good player he does not have the typical stats that come along with being a first-rounder out of the OHL posting 53 total points in 68 games. He did show up big in the playoffs with 21 points in 20 playoff games.
Cowan Responds To Critics
Cowan, who plays for the London Knights in the OHL, did an interview with the London Free Press this week in advance of the upcoming season.
During this interview, he was asked about being considered a reach by many and this is what he had to say:
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People want to call it a reach, they can call it a reach. It's their opinion and it is what it is. They don't think I'm that good, so be it. It's not my problem. I'm just going to focus on myself and try to stay positive. You're in those lights now, so people will hate on whatever you do in life. That's what it comes down to now, so I use it as fuel. I kind of laugh it off. I'm going to do what I love to do and that's compete, have fun and try to win.
Leafs Will Provide Cowan Every Opportunity To Prove Them Right
Cowan recently attended the Maple Leafs prospect camp and looked mature beyond what a newly drafted prospect usually would.
He seems to have a great attitude toward being doubted indicating he has been able to laugh it off and turn it into fuel to motivate him.
Cowan has the tools to become a good hockey player this season will be a good indicator if he can show more consistent flashes of first-round potential.
Source Maple Leafs Daily:
Leafs prospect responds to being called a ''reach'' following this year's draft
Leafs prospect responds to being called a ''reach'' following this year's draft
| POLL | ||
1 AOUT | 146 ANSWERS Leafs Prospect Reacts To Criticism Of His Selection Will Easton Cowan live up to his First Round Selection? | ||
| Yes | 104 | 71.2 % |
| No | 42 | 28.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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