Craig Berube Makes Significant Changes to Leafs' Forward Lines, Including an Easton Cowan Demotion

Rookie Easton Cowan hasn't looked out of place on the Leafs' top line, but has found himself mostly stapled to the bench in the third period of the past two games.

Although Craig Berube has largely liked his play, the close games and lack of offense has led to the Leafs' bench boss opting to rely more on his veterans to squeeze out crucial, early-season points.

After a day off on Sunday, the Leafs hit the ice for practice where Cowan emerged with a white, bottom-six jersey on instead of his blue, top-six jersey, indicating the 2023 first-round pick will be shuffled down the lineup on Tuesday. In his place, both Max Domi and Matias Maccelli skated in top-six, blue jerseys.

I don't love the removal of Easton Cowan from the Leafs' top line, as the rookie forward generated several scoring chances on Saturday, and came to within inches of scoring his first career NHL goal twice in the loss to Seattle.

Through six games, the Leafs have scored more than three goals just twice, and have had little to no help from their bottom-six, aside from Calle Jarnkrok.

After being called out by Anthony Stolarz following Saturday's overtime loss, the Leafs will look to find another gear on Tuesday when they welcome Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils to town.

Hopefully the new roles for Domi, Maccelli and Cowan, as well as the complete revamp of the forward lines will kick-start a more consistent and balanced offensive attack.