Berube’s Maple Leafs: What’s the Deal with Easton Cowan?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are turning a page again. Camp’s over, the cuts are made, and we’re into the second game of the regular season tonight. Craig Berube’s fingerprints are already all over this roster. What’s striking is how fast things shifted. Veterans have been nudged aside, some young players are being trusted in new roles, and the team as a whole looks faster, tougher, and hungrier.

So, What’s Going On with Easton Cowan?

The Maple Leafs are rolling out a fresh look this season, and Berube isn’t shy about testing his young players. Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan both got time in camp, and it looks like two of them will start the season on the roster. Cowan might head back to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies for more ice time and confidence, while Robertson has a real chance to carve out a steady role if he brings consistent energy and secondary scoring. Berube’s willingness to experiment is evident in how these roster moves are being handled.

Berube isn’t afraid to reward performance. Robertson has shown flashes in camp that could translate to a more regular spot in the lineup. But Cowan’s case is a little more complicated. While he’s talented, Berube seems to be holding back a bit, creating a sense of anticipation about when—or if—he’ll get his shot. The coach aims to manage the youngsters carefully, providing them with opportunities while ensuring they’re ready to step onto the ice.

The Cowan Decision Is Still Up in the Air

Cowan’s absence from the opener against the Montreal Canadiens raises questions. If Berube had intended to give him a solid look, or if he wanted him to get more games in the AHL with the Marlies, he could have made that move before the season started. That he held him out suggests Berube is testing Cowan in other ways—observing practices, seeing how he reacts in camp, or simply managing timing because the Marlies have only just begun playing. Either way, the message is clear: Cowan isn’t being sidelined because of a lack of talent. Berube is deliberate, giving him—and all the young players—a real chance to earn their spot.