Maple Leafs Recall Rookie Easton Cowan to Lineup

Head coach Craig Berube reverses course, says young forward "needs to play"

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled 20-year-old forward Easton Cowan from their roster, with head coach Craig Berube citing a need to get the rookie more playing time after he was previously a healthy scratch.

Why it matters

Cowan has been a productive contributor for the Maple Leafs this season, recording 17 points in his NHL debut. His return to the lineup is seen as an important move to help the team maintain its playoff positioning in the competitive Atlantic Division.

The details

Cowan was a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs' last game against the Seattle Kraken, with Berube saying at the time that he felt the young forward was "a little overwhelmed." However, after consecutive losses following the Olympic break, Berube has reversed course and decided Cowan "needs to play" to continue his development.

  • Cowan last played on January 29 against the Seattle Kraken.
  • The Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, February 28.

The players

Craig Berube

Head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Easton Cowan

20-year-old rookie forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs who has recorded 17 points in his NHL debut season.

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What they’re saying

“I just feel like it's time to get him back in now. I don't want him sitting out. He needs to play. He's a young kid, he's a good player. Taking him out of the lineup, going back to his Seattle game, I felt like he was just a little overwhelmed.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach (Toronto Sun)

“These are decisions I make as a coach. I don't believe his development is being hurt. I believe he has improved this year as the year has gone along. He still has the swagger that is needed. He is a confident kid. In saying that, he has to get in there and play. That is our job: to get him in there at some point.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will look to get Cowan back into the lineup on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators as they aim to bounce back from consecutive losses following the Olympic break.

The takeaway

Cowan's recall demonstrates the Maple Leafs' commitment to developing their young talent, even as they push for a playoff spot. Berube's willingness to adjust his lineup shows an understanding that the rookie's continued growth is crucial for the team's long-term success.