In a year where so much went wrong, one of the lone bright spots was the emergence of rookie forward Easton Cowan. Through 66 games this season, Cowan recorded 11 goals and 18 assists, really finding his stride down the stretch, having posted nine points over his final 15 contests.
“Obviously, a lot of adversity in the first year with a lot of ups and downs. There’s good and bad things to take from it. It’s obviously a tough league, and I think consistency is such a huge part. It’s just about showing up each game and being consistent for all 82,” Cowan said. “I’m excited for some more hockey with the Marlies, and the opportunity we have.”
Cowan’s season got off to a slow start as the former 2023 first-round draft pick was healthy scratched through the club’s opening two games and went goalless through the month of October. Then, as soon as the calendar flipped to November, Cowan showed his ability to score, picking up three goals over his nine games in the regular season’s second month, including his first goal in a 5-2 win over Philadelphia.
“It was obviously a great play. Before that, I was just feeling like, I don’t know if I’m going to score this year. I think it was eight games, but it just felt like forever,” Cowan said. “It was a great play by JT [John Tavares], and it was nice to get one. We picked up the win there so overall great vibes.”
“Obviously, there’s been a lot of regret, I wish I would have done something. I’m still kind of pissed at myself for that, but definitely learned for sure. You don’t even have to go fight the guy, but I could have gone in there and done something,” Cowan said. “I felt bad I didn’t, but I guess that’s the learning curve of my career. I’m just going to try and do that from here on out, and I felt like I did that the rest of the year, and same with everyone on the team. We just have to keep that going, and it’s a big offseason for everyone. Training camp will be awesome to see everyone again, but we have to come in with a positive mindset.”
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