What Happened
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller has returned Easton Cowan to the top line alongside Auston Matthews for Tuesday night's game against the Utah Mammoth. The move continues a season-long pattern of frequent line changes in Toronto. Cowan, 21, has already played on several different combinations through the first month, including a previous stint with Matthews and Jack Roslovic two weeks ago.
Key Details
- Cowan started the season on the third line with Nick Paul and Colton Sissons.
- By game five he had moved to the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander.
- He later skated with Sissons and Gavin McKenna, then with Paul and Kirill Marchenko.
- Two weeks ago Cowan first played on the top line with Matthews and Roslovic.
- After a road game against Calgary, he moved to a line with Paul and Nylander against Seattle and Vancouver.
- Tuesday's game is against the Utah Mammoth in Toronto.
What It Means
Hiller has said he is willing to change combinations quickly when players are performing unevenly, and the first month has reflected that. A blockbuster trade before the season, injuries to key leaders and the integration of young players have all contributed to the constant movement. Cowan's return to the top line gives Toronto another look at him beside Matthews as the team seeks offensive consistency.
What's Next
Cowan's performance on the top line against Utah will be watched as Hiller continues to evaluate combinations. The Maple Leafs' lineup could shift again depending on how the group performs.