Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA

BLADE OF STEEL


Craig Berube all but confirms Nicolas Roy, Easton Cowan, and Nick Robertson's future in Toronto


PUBLICATION
Alexander Cole
January 9, 2026  (8:04 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

Jan 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube watches the play against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Nicolas Roy, Easton Cowan, and Nick Robertson are playing inspired hockey for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Craig Berube is speaking up about it.

Since the New Year, one of the best elements of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been their third line, which consists of Nicolas Roy at center, Nick Robertson, and Easton Cowan on the wings.
Roy has come alive during this time, while Robertson and Cowan have been the perfect complementary pieces. They play good defense and even generate offense.
For the Maple Leafs and head coach Craig Berube, this has been exceptional to watch, and things are only destined to get better going forward.
Of course, Easton Cowan had the game-winner last night, which has led to a bit of an a-ha moment for the season as a whole.

Craig Berube on the Maple Leafs' third line

After the game, Berube spoke about his third line, and it is clear that he has absolutely no desire to break these three guys up.
They have been really good for us for a while - solid defensively, and creating offense. They're doing a good job in the offensive zone, with possession time, holding on to pucks, and making plays into the interior of the ice. They're getting opportunities.
However, with the impending return of William Nylander, the Maple Leafs might not actually have any choice here, especially if they want Matias Maccelli in the lineup.
Otherwise, Maccelli would have to go to the fourth line, which isn't exactly the right place for him, when you see what he has been able to do this season.
It's a tough predicament for the team, and it is something that Berube is going to have to work to figure out.
Ultimately, the Maple Leafs are a very good team right now, and they have the ability to really make some noise as the playoffs are on the horizon.
POLL
JANVIER 9   |   302 ANSWERS
Craig Berube all but confirms Nicolas Roy, Easton Cowan, and Nick Robertson's future in Toronto

Do you believe Craig Berube needs to keep the Toronto Maple Leafs' third line together?

YES29296.7 %
NO103.3 %
List of polls

BLADE OF STEEL
COPYRIGHT @2026  ·  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE  ·  PRIVACY POLICY  ·  COOKIE POLICY
RSS FEED  ·  SITEMAP  ·  ROBOTS.TXT