Craig Berube's latest roster move is big news for Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. Head coach Craig Berube finally made an expected decision.

Easton Cowan will again be part of the squad, as confirmed by Berube. 

"I just feel like it's time to get him back in now," he said, via Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan. "I don't want him sitting out. He needs to play. He's a young kid, he's a good player. Taking him out of the lineup, going back to his Seattle game, I felt like he was just a little overwhelmed."

The last time Cowan, 20, played was Jan. 29 against the Seattle Kraken, accumulating 9:44 of ice time. Accompanying him, Nicholas Roy and Bobby McMann were also at Saturday's practice.

Maple Leafs finally bring Easton Cowan back, set to face Senators

It was more than evident that Cowan had to return to the lineup, even before the two losses Toronto has accumulated after the Olympic break. The rookie has produced 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists), quite decent for the role he has assumed with the Leafs.

Before losing to the Florida Panthers on Thursday, Berube defended his stance of not calling up Cowan and keeping him as a healthy scratch.

"These are decisions I make as a coach. I don't believe his development is being hurt," he said, via Sportsnet. "I believe he has improved this year as the year has gone along. He still has the swagger that is needed. He is a confident kid. In saying that, he has to get in there and play. That is our job: to get him in there at some point."

Apparently, he realized his mistake. And that's great news for the Maple Leafs. Toronto intends to keep its playoff hopes alive, but this is just a small step forward.