Craig Berube defends Easton Cowan's reduced ice time as Maple Leafs fans push back

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube explained the decision to limit the ice time of forward Easton Cowan, having played the 20-year-old rookie a season low 8:23 Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers, with Berube explaining that Cowan's spot on the fourth line is the reason as to why.

For a player who is so accustomed to being a factor in the team's success, given his Memorial Cup MVP, two OHL Championships and multiple accolades with his time with the London Knights; this is new territory.

Berube said that Cowan's lack of ice time was not a criticism of the youngster, but came from the fact that the forward was on the fourth line, with Berube noting that Cowan also played on the second power play unit.

He had some of the better possession numbers with a 60% Corsi and more shot attempts for than against while on the ice, but only started three times in either the offensive or defensive zone.

Cowan, 20, made his first appearance for the Leafs since the Olympics break, having sat out Toronto's first three games back. Cowan has seven goals, 10 assists, & 17 points in 45 games for the Leafs this season.

With four straight losses coming since the break, it's unknown if Cowan's ice time will increase as the season nears the end, with Berube giving more ice time to the youngster for a Leafs team lacking a punch.

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't made any drastic changes to their lineup despite having lost their last four games, but Easton Cowan's lack of minutes isn't an indictment on the youngster.

Some in the hockey media are unconvinced, however, that the lack of minutes given to Cowan are best for his development long-term.

Former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau spoke on Cowan's current ice time situation, saying that Cowan cannot develop as a player if he's consistently being put on the sidelines by Berube.

Boudreau's comments show that Cowan isn't necessarily being used to the best of his ability, and as a leader and offensive dynamo -- sticking him on the fourth line is a death sentence.

Toronto already is towards the basement when it comes to drawing penalties, and giving Cowan second-unit power play time is admirable but doesn't give him a lot of chances.

Lest we forget this is a player who had 135 assists in his last three seasons with London, and had an incredible (yet unofficial) 65-game point streak over two seasons. For a team struggling offensively they're leaving him out to dry and giving him three total zone starts is not going to help develop his game or confidence.

Talk Leafs host Zack Phillips called Cowan's ice time against Philadelphia malpractice', criticizing Berube's lack of chances for Cowan, especially as Toronto seeks impact on offense.

Leafs fans were not happy with Berube's comments either, expressing the view that Berube does not value Cowan's development, and that his reasoning for not playing Cowan doesn't make sense.

Confusing fans and analysts alike, there's little certainty over what Craig Berube is doing with Easton Cowan, and fueling concerns that Cowan's development is not getting the nurturing it properly needs.

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