Maple Leafs Confirm Adjustment Involving Cowan, Robertson Ahead of Clash With Sabres

With the Maple Leafs back in action tonight against the suddenly surging Sabres, the Leafs announced changes to all four forward lines on Thursday at practice, which led to questions about how tonight's lineup would look.

The rookie Easton Cowan took reps on the 3rd line at practice yesterday, skating with Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy, indicating that the Leafs could have him dress for tonight's game in Buffalo. Nick Robertson skated as an extra in practice, indicating that he was at risk of a healthy scratch for the first time this season.

Sportsnet's Luke Fox has since reported that Robertson will indeed visit the press box on Friday, with Cowan taking his place in the lineup.

It's been a tough stretch for Robertson to begin this season, as the California native has recorded just 1 single assist this season, and hasn't scored a goal through 7 games to begin the year. A scratch was certainly warranted.

For Cowan, however, his recent scratch was not at all related to performance, but rather due to Craig Berube's belief that it's good for the rookie to watch games from the press box on occasion as he learns what it takes to stick in the NHL.

While Robertson has not created a lot of opportunities this season thus far, the same cannot be said for Cowan, who has been creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates early and often. His return to tonight's lineup is not only deserved, but required for an offense-strapped Leafs team in need of a spark.

On Friday, the Leafs also confirmed the unfortunate news that Morgan Rielly would join the injured Chris Tanev on the sidelines, leaving the team's blueline very, very thin, and forcing even more changes, with Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers drawing in.

After starting the season 3-3-1, the Leafs are going to have to rely on all members of the team working together to get back on track, especially given the injuries beginning to pile up.