Maple Leafs Coach Confirms Lineup Changes Coming

Craig Berube says more young players will get opportunities in final games of the season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealed that the team will be making lineup changes in the final three games of the regular season, with more young players set to receive playing time. Berube also praised the work ethic of 20-year-old forward Easton Cowan, who has recorded 27 points in 63 games this season.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs are out of playoff contention, so giving younger players more ice time in the final games allows the team to evaluate talent and prepare for next season. Cowan's strong rookie campaign is also an encouraging sign for the team's future.

The details

Berube confirmed that the team will be getting "one or two other guys" into the lineup for the final three games. He highlighted Cowan's strong work ethic and intelligence as key factors in the young forward's success this season.

  • The Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers on Saturday, April 11.
  • Toronto will then play the Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators in the final two games of the regular season.

The players

Craig Berube

Head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Easton Cowan

20-year-old forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has recorded 11 goals and 16 assists in 63 games this season.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I do believe so. We'll look at getting one or two other guys in there for sure. I'm also wondering if you've got enough.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach

“I mean, he just works, you know, more than anything. Very intelligent player, but he puts work in, you know, he puts the work in. He's a worker. I always call work before skill a lot of times, and I think he's kind of grabbed that side of things. So Easton's, he works and skates and gets rewarded.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will host the Florida Panthers on Saturday, April 11, before facing the Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators in the final two games of the regular season.

The takeaway

By giving more young players opportunities in the final games, the Maple Leafs can evaluate talent and build for the future, while also highlighting the strong work ethic and development of players like Easton Cowan.