Leafs Coach Craig Berube Appears Caught Off Guard By Easton Cowan's AHL Demotion

The Toronto Maple Leafs are riding high right now, following a 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth to cap off a 3-game winning streak, moving to 8-5-1 after a middling 5-5-1 start in October.

While the team gave fans something to cheer for on Wednesday, they also gave them something to question after rookie sensation Easton Cowan was assigned to the Toronto Marlies just before game time to make room for the returning Scott Laughton.

Following the win, head coach Craig Berube was asked about the move, and appeared caught by surprise, deferring questions about the move to GM Brad Treliving, stating that he's been very happy with how Cowan has performed to begin his promising NHL career.

Cowan has had some success this season, despite spending time on all 4 lines in Toronto. The 20-year-old spark plug has produced a goal and 4 points in his first 10 NHL games.

You certainly don't want to assume that there is a communication gap between Treliving and Berube right now, but it does seem a bit strange that the GM would demote a player that the coach enjoys having on the team. Still, there's a method to the madness.

Having Cowan in the NHL sort of limits his all-situations development, as he is essentially blocked from big minutes on the power play and the penalty kill with the Leafs. By going down to the Marlies, it opens the door for big minutes in those situations.

We'll see how long the demotion lasts, but if we read into Berube's comments, it sounds like he'll be putting pressure on the GM to bring Cowan back as soon as he feels the need to have some young legs back in his lineup.