Maple Leafs Make Controversial Decision Involving Easton Cowan and Sammy Blais

With the Maple Leafs gearing up for their second game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings, one of the biggest questions surrounding the team has been simple: who gets scratched?

With so much roster depth, the Leafs have had to make tough decisions in back-to-back games. Unfortunately for Easton Cowan and Sammy Blais, those decisions did not come out in their favour.

All eyes have been on Cowan, Toronto's top prospect and one of the most talked-about young players in the organization, since training camp. However, Cowan has yet to make his NHL debut, and for many fans, this is the worst-case scenario for his development.

After an incredible year where he won the Memorial Cup and earned Tournament MVP honors, most expected Cowan to either play meaningful NHL minutes or continue his growth with the Marlies, where he'd get the ice time needed to refine his game.

While one or two scratches won't derail his career, it's understandably frustrating for Leafs Nation to see such a talented young player sidelined. Reports suggest that Craig Berube has chosen to play veteran Calle Järnkrok over Cowan, a move that raises eyebrows given Järnkrok's limited upside and uncertain future with the Leafs.

If this pattern continues, it could prove costly. Toronto risks stalling the development of a player with real long-term potential just to keep a fringe veteran in the lineup.

After all the hype surrounding Cowan, fans don't just want to see him in a Leafs uniform at practice. They want to see him play.