It’s the middle of summer and it’s time to send the kids to camp. Toronto Maple Leafs prospects Easton Cowan and Noah Chadwick have been invited to Hockey Canada’s World Junior camp (Summer Showcase) from July 29-31 in Windsor, Ontario.
Easton Cowan and Noah Chadwick have been named to Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase roster
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) July 16, 2024
The inclusion of Easton Cowan was predictable. Between his status as a first-round pick, his OHL point streak, and his awards, not to mention his status as a returning player all but guaranteed that Cowan would be on Hockey Canada’s radar. The issue might be that Cowan will have grabbed a spot on the Maple Leafs roster and will be otherwise occupied and unable to attend the post-Christmas tournament. That would be a nice problem to have.
Cowan’s World Juniors debut last year yielded a goal and an assist in five games after he was a surprise addition to the roster. He definitely wouldn’t be a surprise this time and will likely play a bigger role, possibly even being one of the team’s leaders. Cowan will be competing for a spot with 23 other forwards. Cowan’s London Knights have four attendees, leading Hockey Canada’s camp.
Noah Chadwick is looking to make his initial case for being part of Team Canada, and the 6’4 defenceman’s strong year for the Lethbridge Hurricanes has put him in contention. As a 6th round selection in 2023, Chadwick enjoyed a bit of a breakout offensive season last year and comfortably took on a bigger role with his WHL club.
Of the 13 defencemen invited to the Hockey Canada camp, Chadwick is the tallest at 6’4, and that will undoubtedly help make his case for a roster spot.
The Leafs’ newest first-round pick, Ben Danford, was not invited to the summer camp, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be considered. Easton Cowan did not attend the summer camp last year but made his case for the team based on his hot start in London and showing well at the pre-tournament camp. There is still some hope for Danford.
Fraser Minten has aged out from the tournament.
Other Leafs Canadian prospects that are eligible but not in attendance include their 7th-round selections from the 2024 draft: Sam McCue, Matt Lahey, and Nathan Mayes.
The World Juniors tournament will take place in Ottawa starting on December 26th. The Leafs will likely be represented by at least one player.
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