Maple Leafs' Craig Berube bets on future payoff with bold roster decision

Craig Berube confirmed important roster news for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the start of the season on Wednesday.

After Toronto's last training camp game on Saturday against Detroit, Berube was clear about the future of rookie forward Easton Cowan, assuring he will be on the opening roster.

"We’ve got decisions to make, but I think he showed us enough that he is ready. He’s got a motor on him. He’s just constant work and he’s got a high IQ. I like him a lot," Berube said, via The Hockey News.

“He is trying to do things that he is good at. He did a lot of good things, like everybody. I thought the effort was really good tonight.", added the coach about Saturday's game against the Detroit Red Wings that ended in a 6-5 defeat for the Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs' Cowan to start from bottom, but climb could be quick

This decision is important for the Leafs and could mean that the technical staff is prioritizing pace, pressure and reading of the game over immediate offensive production.

Cowan, 20, could be key in quick transitions, aggressive forecheck and defensive responsibility. He can fit in lines that need to recover the puck and shorten the defensive zone, useful not only in fourth but in third line scenarios as well.

He could even start occasionally on the penalty kill, using the good IQ Berube mentioned. There he would learn timings and angles. On the power play, he would be an objective later if his shot progresses.

However, a point to monitor is his lack of production in the preseason, though it is not determinative. The staff could protect him with controlled minutes and veteran companions to avoid overexposure.

Keeping him in the NHL instead of sending him to the AHL can only mean that Berube trusts his potential and intends for him to begin adapting to the elite level.