Mulling the Maple Leafs: Robertson & Cowan Fighting for Roster Spot – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The NHL preseason has officially begun and while most of the opening night roster for the Toronto Maple Leafs is set in stone, there are still question marks when it comes to the team's depth up front.

Players like Nikita Grebenkin, Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson are aiming for a full-time spot, while veterans like Max Pacioretty and Ryan Reaves would like to be consistent pieces contributing to this team when the puck drops on the 2024-25 season. .

Now, the squads in training camp have changed quite a bit over the past few days and without reading too much into it, it looks like the division is starting to break down between those who will make it and those who might just shy away. of the list. Of course, any speculation of that nature would send the Maple Leafs faithful into deep dives.

With all that in mind, there are two players who seem to be fighting for an official roster spot – Cowan and Robertson. Both are at slightly different points in their NHL story, but with the Maple Leafs having a few roster spots left, the choice between Cowan's development and Robertson's redemption seems difficult for the Maple Leafs' front office.

That's why we've assembled, assembled, disassembled and determined the right phone – if there is one.

Easton Cowan's In Tough For Maple Leafs' Job

This kid has shown that his determination in the last two seasons to beat the Maple Leafs team has not wavered at all. After being drafted in 2023, the London Knights forward had a breakout season in the OHL with 34 goals and 96 points in 54 regular season games. He followed that up with 10 goals and 34 points in 18 playoff games to help the Knights to the OHL championship.

Cowan was the last shortstop in the Maple Leafs' training camp last season and came back more determined than his previous camp with the big team. On Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens — where the preseason was hot — Cowan tallied his first point of the season this year with an assist on Robertson's goal.

Earlier in the season, head coach Craig Berube said the one thing he wanted to see from Cowan was the ability to shake off the habits of minor hockey and play an NHL game – something Cowan took to heart.

“I feel like I was playing a little bit easier in my D-Zone. I haven't given up too much, but I'm looking to stumble out here tonight and play loose and play my game and have a loose mind out there,” Cowan said of his game. until now.

While some players on the Maple Leafs have described Cowan's form this season as confident and talkative in the room, Berube said there are still things the young forward can work on.

“Well, you have done some really good things. There are just things he can improve on, for sure. But he is not the only one, there are many boys, so there is a lot of camp,” said the surprised coach.

Take that as you will, but it appears Berube has his eye on the Maple Leafs' 2023 first-round pick and won't be speeding up his development.

The only thing that could play into Cowan's success is if he doesn't impress enough to make the roster – that and the fact that bringing him back to the OHL might not benefit his overall development since he's done it all without a win. Memorial Cup.

Related: Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Set to Make NHL Roster

That's when Cowan fell victim to the questionable decision of a minor leaguer ineligible to play in the AHL due to CHL eligibility. Cowan falls into this mess and it could go one of two ways – the Maple Leafs keep him in the big leagues (at least nine games) or send him back to one of the CHL's most popular organizations in the London Knights again. give him a chance to take it back with a new team and develop more leadership skills.

If you look at how it will have to play out, his development will either be halted or he will be in the NHL playing less than six minutes, which is not ideal either.

Robertson's The Front Runner for Maple Leafs' Spot

Let's face it – the Maple Leafs could have moved on from Robertson this offseason especially when they wanted to be traded. Instead, Berube met with the 23-year-old and convinced him that he would get a chance to be a key player for the team and ended up signing a one-year deal for around $1 million.

That being said, he was the Maple Leafs' best player in the last training camp and has resurfaced for the team early on – including three goals, two game-winners and a shot block on top of it all.

Robertson's offensive production hasn't been an issue early in his career as he was one of the Maple Leafs' leading scorers last season at 5v5 and that was in moderation – just over 11 minutes per game in 56 regular season games. For many, it has been a question of staying healthy and playing the 200-meter game.

That said, Robertson is more confident than ever and says something about a kid playing his heart out on the line. According to him, he just wants a good image to make a difference in Toronto.

“I knew I was going back to Toronto,” he told Joshua Kloke of The Athletic. “I knew something was going to be done. I learned that the way I am better here is different from the way I improved when I was younger. I have to trust that I will do the work and enjoy it.”

Related: Maple Leafs' Robertson Could Have 3 Outcomes After 1-Year Deal

In the same interview, Robertson noted that it's not about thinking he's a better player than anyone else, but that he's done his best to become an average player at the NHL level. To be honest, this season will be his best chance with the Maple Leafs to prove himself as an everyday player in this league – but he has to trust that they have his best interest in mind.

Some in the game believe that the one-year deal doesn't guarantee Robertson a spot with the Maple Leafs, however, it's hard to see him taking a deal under $1 million just to be traded to a team that might not contend. the season.

While it would be nice to see the Maple Leafs get both Cowan and Robertson on the roster this season, there's no sense in chasing Cowan. As for Robertson, they have to see what they have a full season – without health – and deal with it at the end of the season.

Related: 3 Maple Leaf Predictions for 2024-25

To me, given the right opportunity and a chance to really play his game, the Maple Leafs have a 20 to 25 goal scorer on their hands in Robertson.

As for Cowan, he could have played a handful of games sprinkled throughout the season if he had the chance to play in the AHL — even though it would burn a year on his entry-level contract. But given the AHL-CHL eligibility rule, he's likely a starter for the Maple Leafs in 2025-26.

When it comes to these two players, think about it. What do you think is the right call for the Maple Leafs?