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Easton Cowan Turning Heads: Craig Berube Backs Prospect for Big Role with Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski | Imagn Images
Leafs Coach Craig Berube made an appearance on The Real Kyper & Bourne Show on Thursday and made it clear that he sees big things for Easton Cowan this year.
The Maple Leafs shocked many when they revealed their opening night roster on Monday and Easton Cowan wasn't on it.
Thankfully, it was purely a paper transaction as the club recalled the 20-year-old before their home opener on Wednesday.
Although he didn't play, Cowan was deserving of a spot on the Leafs' 23-man roster to begin the season after a very strong training camp, which earned him constant praise from Berube and his teammates.
Craig Berube Sees Easton Cowan Playing a Bigger Role Than Expected For the Leafs
Despite not inserting Cowan into the opening night lineup, Berube hinted that the 2023 first-round pick could draw into the lineup this weekend on Thursday's edition of The Real Kyper & Bourne Show.
"Cowan, we didn't play him last night, but that doesn't mean he's not going to be in the next game. Maybe he won't be, maybe he will be... At the same time, I have to make sure that he's not out too long because he needs to play."
As a follow-up question, the Leafs' bench boss was asked about finding a top-six forward to replace Mitch Marner.
In a long-winded answer, Berube noted that the Leafs do have options, as we have seen throughout camp with Matias Maccelli and Max Domi.
However, he also stated that not everyone can handle the demand of playing a role consistently in the top-six, explaining that they just "don't have the motor to do it", but believes the Leafs have a long-term solution in Cowan, despite him not ready for that role currently.
"I think watching Cowan from junior to now, he's got a motor on him. That's a ways away, but I do believe that he could get there."
The Memorial Cup MVP is willing to earn his place in the top-six the same way he did with the London Knights, and it seems like Berube is willing to give him every opportunity to do so.
Previously on Maple Leafs Daily
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 10 | 475 ANSWERS Easton Cowan Turning Heads: Craig Berube Backs Prospect for Big Role with Maple Leafs Do you think Easton Cowan finishes this season in the top-6 for the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 237 | 49.9 % |
| No | 238 | 50.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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