Craig Berube’s big roster move hints at long-term plan for Maple Leafs prospect

Prospect Easton Cowan has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies again this Wednesday. This move allowed the Maple Leafs to activate Scott Laughton from injured reserve for the game against the Utah Mammoth. Cowan, 20, has played in 10 games in the 2025-26 NHL season so far, recording one goal and three assists. Head coach Craig Berube gave him irregular minutes with looks on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, and time on the power play, but without a fixed role night to night. Cowan practiced as a healthy scratch and left the NHL lineup. Sammy Blais and Calle Jarnkrok also skated as extras. The 20-year-old forward was assigned to the AHL on Oct. 6, but was quickly recalled to the NHL on Oct. 8. The most recent move to send him back with the Marlies gives us clues about Berube’s long-term plans. Four weeks passed between the recall on Oc. 8 and Cowan’s assignment to the AHL on Wednesday. Berube could have a clear plan in mind for the prospect. The usage patterns and the timing of the two assiRead More