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Berube Provides Clarification on How Laughton Injury Will Impact Plans for Easton Cowan
Photo credit: Imagn Images - Nick Turchiaro
Following the unfortunate news of Scott Laughton's injury, Leafs head coach Craig Berube clarified how it will impact the plans for 20-year-old Easton Cowan.
On Friday morning, the Leafs announced the unfortunate news that Scott Laughton would be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Laughton was injured in Thursday night's pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings, with many suspecting it occurred after blocking a shot.
With Laughton out, David Kampf took his place centering the fourth line at practice on Friday morning before surprisingly being placed on waivers in the afternoon.
Kampf's promotion to the fourth line just before being waived left more questions than answers when it came to the Leafs' plans for Cowan now that a less offensive center was on his line, leading to suggestions that the 2023 first-round pick would be better served playing big minutes with the Toronto Marlies to begin the season.
Craig Berube Clarifies Plans for Cowan Amid Laughton Injury
Following practice on Saturday, Berube was asked by reporters how Laughton's injury would affect Cowan's potential spot in the lineup for opening night.
"We've liked Easton's camp a lot. I loved him in practice again today. He was very noticeable out there... With Kampf filling in for Laughton, or whatever it is, I don't think it changes Easton's game that much. I think Easton can play different roles for you at different times. I know he is young and still has a lot to learn, but I love his energy and his hound mentality. He has really good puck skills."
Despite the detractors that believe Laughton's absence has put Cowan in a tough position with a less offensive center, the Memorial Cup MVP has done everything that has been asked of him and has earned his spot in the opening night lineup.
In a worst case scenario, the Leafs can give him a couple of games to see how the line works with Kampf, and if Berube isn't satisfied, they can always send him down later and insert Calle Jarnkrok or Nick Robertson as a placeholder until Laughton is able to return.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 5 | 1228 ANSWERS Berube Provides Clarification on How Laughton Injury Will Impact Plans for Easton Cowan Should the Leafs send Cowan to the Marlies with Laughton out? | ||
| Yes | 423 | 34.4 % |
| No | 524 | 42.7 % |
| Give him a few games, then decide | 281 | 22.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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