Maple Leafs Scratch Easton Cowan for Opener: A Message or a Mistake?

The Toronto Maple Leafs will open their 2025-26 season tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, but while the home opener should be the focus, all eyes are on the team scratching top prospect Easton Cowan for the occasion.

Fans are confused by the scratch, as Cowan was just recalled from the Marlies this morning. So, what gives? The message from Craig Berube on Wednesday morning really didn't explain the motivation behind the move.

The Leafs are a deep team; there's no question about it. After deciding to retain the likes of Nicholas Robertson and Calle Jarnkrok, the competition for playing time will be more fierce than ever. Claiming Sammy Blais off of the waiver wire only added to the logjam up front.

By scratching Cowan, the Leafs may be sending the message that nothing is guaranteed and that the work doesn't stop after training camp -- it's just beginning.

Cowan was scratched in favour of dressing the veteran Jarnkrok for the occasion tonight. It's a pity to think the hometown crowd won't get to hear Cowan's name over the PA by announcer Mike Ross in the player introductions for the first time as he skates onto the ice.

If Cowan and Jarnkrok were similar in terms of their effectiveness in camp, the tie goes to the veteran, as they say. Craig Berube is a traditional, old-school hockey mind, so maybe that was the case.

The message here, if there is one, is that Cowan will have to earn every minute. This may be a harsh lesson, but one that may benefit him exponentially during his NHL career.

If the Leafs are making a mistake by scratching Cowan, who would undoubtedly bring a youthful exuberance to the team, then hopefully it's a mistake they'll learn from tonight and will give the former London Knights star a chance to prove himself in the team's next game on Saturday in Detroit.