Craig Berube reveals what's next for Easton Cowan after a third-straight healthy scratch
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube hit Easton Cowan with a healthy scratch on Saturday, and now, the head coach is answering for his controversial decision.
Easton Cowan has been a solid rookie for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, as he has 11 points in 26 games, and has been one of the hardest workers on the team.
Unfortunately, this has not been enough for head coach Craig Berube. He has been a healthy scratch on numerous occasions, including tonight against the Ottawa Senators.
This makes it three games in a row for Cowan. A rookie of his caliber should be playing and developing. If not, he should be in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.
These kinds of lineup decisions are starting to wear on the fanbase, but as it turns out, Berube has an explanation for why he is doing this.
Craig Berube on Easton Cowan
Simply put, the Maple Leafs are winning games right now, and as we all know, Berube likes to keep his lineups the same after wins.
The conversations with him (have been) we won last game, just be patient. We definitely do not want him sitting out too long. It's not good for his growth. I think he helps us.
For some fans, this kind of excuse simply isn't good enough. Cowan is a good young player, and he deserves to have some playing time.
If the Leafs won't give Cowan some playing time, then what else can be done? It feels like the obvious answer is some kind of demotion to the Marlies.
Cowan needs to play. If the Leafs won't play him, his development will be stunted, and the Leafs could end up with another Nick Robertson situation.
Tomorrow, the Leafs play the Detroit Red Wings, and if one thing is for certain, it is that the rookie should be playing that match.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 496 ANSWERS Craig Berube reveals what's next for Easton Cowan after a third-straight healthy scratch Do you believe Craig Berube is treating Easton Cowan unfairly? | ||
| YES | 314 | 63.3 % |
| NO | 182 | 36.7 % |
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