The annual Boxing Day tradition of the World Junior Championships has been a staple for Canadians for decades; and with the tournament a few short months away, we see an early breakdown of the potential roster.
Daily Faceoff published an article Monday with an early projection of Team Canada's World Junior roster, and it looks to be yet another stacked roster; hoping to banish the demons of last year's loss to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.
Names such as Oliver Bonk, Zayne Parekh and Tij Iginla are surefire locks to not only play, but flourish on the international stage. One name in particular that is sure to make Leafs fans excited is Easton Cowan. Cowan; the Leafs first-round pick in 2023 is set to have a breakout role with the team as opposed to the grittier shutdown role he played last year.
Cowan is presumably going to line up on the third trio with Berkly Catton and prospective Top 10 pick in 2026, Gavin McKenna. Cowan this past season for the London Knights had a remarkable 96 points in 54 games including a 36-game point streak; a massive leap in his advancement. If Cowan were to have a standout camp and preseason, he could see himself lining up for Toronto this coming season, though more than likely he would be lent out to Canada if he was.
Among the cuts, however, is another Maple Leaf; as Noah Chadwick doesn't make the roster according to Ellis. While he gives no reason as to specifics, the already stacked lineup of Canada with Bonk, Parekh, Sam Dickinson, Tanner Molendyk, Etienne Morin and Andrew Gibson along with Carter Yakemchuk as a 7th defender there wasn't really any room for the youngster.
