The Athletic lists Cowan's attributes as average skating, above-average puck skills, an average hockey sense, and high-end compete. The latter is patently evident every night when watching Cowan hit the ice. All of the attributes listed seem fair. Cowan has yet to fully develop into the star we know he could become. That's why listing him in the ranking's tier 7 group is unjustified.
Robertson has appeared in all seven games for the Leafs so far this season, playing a consistent role in the team's bottom six with Scott Laughton out due to an injury suffered in the preseason. The 24-year-old forward has yet to find the back of the net this season, tallying only one assist, averaging 11 minutes played a night. In Robertson's place, top Leafs prospect Easton Cowan is slotting back into the lineup.
What is the plan for Easton Cowan moving forward? Berube: Just keep working and keep practicing. He has had a good camp. No decisions have been made. That is where we are at. How do you make the final decision? Berube: You have to look at where your team is. Does he help us right now? What is best for him? He's a young kid, but we liked him in camp. He is here right now.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading to Quebec to face the Montreal Canadiens in their third preseason game Thursday night and the roster they are bringing is full of players who could seize the opportunity that's in front of them. Of course, the Canadiens will be dressing virtually their full NHL lineup since they want to give their fans a show. Meanwhile, head coach Craig Berube will be having a lineup that is almost full of players who aren't sure where they will be playing hockey when the regular season kicks off. The good part of it is, though, that this is the time to try and impress their coach -- to do something up against a tougher opponent on-paper to maybe prevent a demotion down to the AHL or to be placed on waivers in the coming days.
