Scott Laughton’s return equals accountability for Maple Leafs

Matias Maccelli had the opportunity to spend a little time in the press box in Pittsburgh on Monday night. His five points in 12 games might be the start of an improvement over last season, but it is nowhere near what the Leafs are looking to get out of the Finnish winger. Craig Berube took an opportunity to let Matias know that. Signs are pointing to Easton Cowan and Calle Jarnkrok being the next to spend time in the press box.

Cowan’s situation is a bit more unique, but like Maccelli, Cowan hasn’t shown up much on the scoresheet. Neither has Max Domi, Bobby McMann, Calle Jarnkrok, Dakota Joshua, or Nicolas Roy. There isn’t a shortage of Leafs making their case for the press box and now with the return of Scott Laughton, expectations for performing are increasing.

Scott Laughton might also catch himself in Craig Berube’s crosshairs soon enough and last season he didn’t make a case for being a lock for the roster, but right now he’ll get the opportunity to play catchup.

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Extras: Cowan-Blais-Jarnkrok

At least temporarily, the return of Laughton has led to a pause for Easton Cowan’s time in the NHL. With Laughton’s return, the Leafs have too many players and that was either going to equal waivers for Blais or a development stint for Cowan. Cowan’s assignment was the most likely course of action but potentially the most short-sighted option as Cowan hasn’t looked out of place and has shown effort towards improving in comparison to the rest of the group.

What is a bit more of an issue is that presently Calle Jarnkrok, Easton Cowan, and Nick Robertson are the players that Craig Berube has been comfortable rotating in and out of the lineup. That is going to need to expand with the fact that Robertson is on a heater and Cowan has a likelihood of a temporary demotion. Sammy Blais and Calle Jarnkrok have arguably played better than other veteran players and shouldn’t be press box fixtures. Nor is Maccelli the only player that needs a fire lit under them.

Max Domi’s two goal game against Calgary has likely bought him some time, as has the fact that Craig Berube is still trying to see what he has with Domi as a winger. Bobby McMann’s production has been down and hasn’t been a favourite of Craig Berube, it’s entirely likely that he will be a player that Berube feels comfortable sitting on a regular basis.

The tough ones for Craig Berube to come down on will be Brad Treliving’s additions to the lineup. As mentioned above, Maccelli got a night off, and Laughton will likely get an extended run of games now that he’s back, unless he doesn’t look like he’s close to 100%.

Nicolas Roy’s arrival hasn’t translated into much more than being David Kampf by another name and the same can be said for Dakota Joshua doing a Nick Ritchie impression, although maybe a more disciplined version of him.

These players have put in a full training camp and 13 games in a Leafs uniform at this point, if they aren’t performing, there isn’t a reason to hold back on letting them know it at this point.

An 82 game season isn’t going to be short on injuries, and when all healthy players are needed in the lineup it’s harder to send a message to underperformers. Laughton’s return presents the Leafs with the chance to hold the Leafs to a higher standard and make it clear that everyone is competing for a spot in the lineup on a nightly basis.