Is Easton Cowan Forcing a Lineup Shakeup in Toronto?

Easton Cowan’s emergence has gone from promising storyline to full-on lineup disruptor in Toronto. What was supposed to be a developmental season for the rookie is quickly turning into something much bigger, as Cowan continues to earn the trust of his coach and his teammates, particularly in high-pressure moments. He got the call to skate with Auston Matthews in overtime and buried it, leading to head coach Craig Berube saying Cowan has ice in his veins. The coach is rewarding a player who has earned it, and that will likely continue.

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John Tavares said he thinks Cowan doesn’t seem to panic and is calm with the puck. He has a lot of ability to continue growing, “and get better and better, so it’s been a big boost for us here the way he’s been playing.”

Auston Matthews added, “I think, like he said, he’s been getting lots of chances, and it’s amazing what that does for your confidence going forward. It’s going to be great to see him here down the stretch here of these next couple of games.”

William Nylander noted, “Yeah, he’s very chill… But you know, always focused on getting better. Even in practice, you see it. Very determined, and that’s what I love to see.”

Cowan Is Earning His Way Over A Couple of Other Forwards

Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli were both healthy scratches on Friday, left watching while the rookie took another step forward. On a team searching for accountability, Cowan is sending a message and those two might be well served to take notice. If they don’t step up, Cowan is going to pass them by and neither will get the nod over the rookie.

What’s so interesting is the time and patience Berube seems to have with Cowan that Maccelli and Joshua may not be afforded. “Is there mistakes? Definitely. He’s a young kid, and there’s going to be mistakes, but he learns from them, in my opinion, and he listens, and he wants to get better,” said the coach.

Berube’s endorsement says it all. He sees mistakes, sure, but he also sees a player who doesn’t feel pressure, learns quickly, and brings something the Leafs badly need—urgency. Cowan is no longer just fighting to stay in the NHL.

He’s forcing Toronto to rethink who should be playing… and who shouldn’t.

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