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Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Scratches Easton Cowan Versus Devils: 'He Needs a Reset'


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Ryan Smitheram
October 21, 2025  (12:43)
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Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has explained why rookie Easton Cowan will be a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game against the New Jersey Devils, despite the 20-year-old being in what he calls "a good spot."

Called out for their lackluster effort on Saturday night by goaltender Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs and head coach Craig Berube completely revamped their forward group at Monday's practice.

Max Domi Gets Opportunity With Auston Matthews

After two weeks, Max Domi is finally getting his opportunity on the Leafs' top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies over the 20-year-old Easton Cowan.
Along with Domi being bumped up, Matias Maccelli will also see time in the top-six on the second line with William Nylander and John Tavares once again.
As for Cowan, he will watch from the press box on Tuesday night alongside Sammy Blais and Philippe Myers as all three stayed on the ice for extra work after the Leafs' morning skate.
Instead of being demoted down the lineup, Cowan will be replaced by Calle Jarnkrok who returns after being a scratch on Saturday.

Craig Berube Explains Easton Cowan Scratch

Following a brief morning skate on Tuesday, Berube revealed that Cowan isn't being scratched for performance reasons, but rather for a reset.
"He (Cowan) needs a re-set, to watch a game at some point, but he's in a good spot."

While some may be opposed to Cowan's scratching, it provides him the opportunity to reset and watch the game from above to pick up on the little things the veterans do in and away from the play to prevent and create opportunities.
If the Leafs are able to pull out a victory over former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils, the obvious concern is what that might mean for Cowan's initial run in the NHL.
Putting Cowan in the press box for any length of time is not going to help his development, so perhaps we'll end up seeing Cowan demoted, as least temporarily, so he can get some reps in with the Marlies and gain more pro experience.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
Starting Goaltender For Maple Leafs Vs. Devils Confirmed
Maple Leafs Star Admits to Some Envy as Blue Jays Steal the Spotlight in Toronto
Blue Jays Manager Affirms Vladdy Guerrero Jr. Just Broke Maple Leafs' Curse With Nod to Auston Matthews
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OCTOBRE 21   |   661 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Scratches Easton Cowan Versus Devils: 'He Needs a Reset'

Is scratching Easton Cowan the right move for his development?

Yes, everyone needs a reset sometimes31247.2 %
No, he doesn't deserve to be scratched34952.8 %
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