Is Easton Cowan's return the missing piece for the Maple Leafs' playoff push? The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for a crucial Saturday night matchup against the Ottawa Senators, and a key player is expected to make his comeback. Forward Easton Cowan is reportedly set to rejoin the Leafs' lineup, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. This news comes after Cowan was notably absent from the team's lineup for their two recent games in Florida following the Olympic break. The team struggled in his absence, dropping both contests – a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and a more significant 5-1 defeat to the Florida Panthers. These losses have left Toronto in a precarious position, now eight points adrift of a playoff spot with six teams to overtake as play commences on Saturday.
Cowan's last NHL appearance was on January 29th. Prior to Thursday's game, Head Coach Craig Berube explained his decision to sit Cowan, stating he felt the young forward had reached a point where he needed a break. "At the time I took him out of the lineup, I felt [Cowan] hit a bit of a wall. We won three in a row, so I kept the same lineup going into the game against Tampa last night," Berube commented to reporters.
But here's where it gets interesting... Berube also expressed confidence in Cowan's development, asserting that his absence from the lineup was not detrimental. "I don’t believe his development is being hurt. I believe he has improved this year as the year has gone along. He still has the swagger that’s needed. He’s a confident kid," he added. This suggests a strategic approach to managing the 20-year-old's growth.
Cowan, who was the 28th overall pick by the Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Draft, has shown promise in his rookie season. In 43 games, he has accumulated seven goals and 10 assists, totaling 17 points, while averaging 13 minutes and 31 seconds of ice time per game.
And this is the part most people miss: While Cowan's return is a welcome sight for many fans, the team's recent performance raises questions. Can one player truly turn the tide when the team is struggling to find consistent wins and facing such a significant points deficit? Some might argue that the issues run deeper than a single player's presence.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe Easton Cowan's return will be enough to ignite the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes, or are there other factors at play? Let us know in the comments below!
