Easton Cowan Scratched and Demoted as Maple Leafs Make Strategic Roster Move
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
With the projected return of Scott Laughton to the lineup, it looks like Easton Cowan is going to be scratched again, as he may be sent down to the Marlies for now.
As Toronto heads into their game against the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday, it's going to mark the season debut of Scott Laughton, who has been out since the beginning of the year after blocking a shot in the preseason finale.
It's something that Laughton is looking forward to, as he told Sportsnet's Luke Fox ahead of Wednesday's game:
I'm gonna have that nervous energy. And I think it's a good thing.
Having made a strong presence in the preseason, Laughton was expected to lineup with Steven Lorentz and Easton Cowan on the fourth line, as they seemed to gel really well together in their short time together.
Easton Cowan Likely Victim Of Demotion
Speaking of Cowan, it's very likely that he is going to be demoted to the Marlies, as the team doesn't want to risk having a lack of defensemen with Chris Tanev hurt, and they have guys like Calle Järnkrok and Sammy Blais who can fill in.
According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, that seems to be the direction they are going to go in:
And now, with the imminent return of Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz from injury, Cowan is slated to be on the outside of the lineup entirely when the Leafs host the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night. It would be the fourth time he's been a healthy scratch in 14 games.
It would be best if the team sent him down, not because he hasn't been good (4 points in 10 games) but he deserves to play as much as he can and sitting on the bench isn't a great way to develop.
Plus being waiver exempt helps a lot, and the ability to keep an extra D-man certainly helps out in these uncertain times.
Plus, with Chris Tanev hurt, the team needs as much defensive help as possible and keeping Mermis up is a much better safety net considering how many forwards they have at their disposal now.
So for Cowan, it's all part of the ups and downs that come with the start of an NHL career. It's clear that Craig Berube loves him, but also wants to make sure he develops as much as he can.
This isn't the end of the road for Easton Cowan, it's just part of the path that will eventually lead him to being an NHL star.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 5|1194 ANSWERS Easton Cowan Scratched and Demoted as Maple Leafs Make Strategic Roster Move Should Easton Cowan have been demoted? | ||
| Yes | 534 | 44.7 % |
| No | 660 | 55.3 % |
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