A Maple Leafs Forward Gets Benched While Another Earns a Big Opportunity

Oct 29, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Easton Cowan (53) during pregame warmup against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Craig Berube was definitely impressed with Easton Cowan scoring his first goal, so much so that he gave him a prime chance, while also benching a slumping winger.

For what it’s worth, Cowan made the most of his opportunity and wired the shot, of which Dan Vladar had no chance at saving.

Easton Cowan Earns the Chance to Prove He Belongs on Toronto’s Top Unit

But one notable absence in all of this is forward Bobby McMann, who did not skate with the team’s usual lines at practice, and it could be an indication the team wants a different look on Monday night.

Having gone pointless in his last eight games, there’s a bit of a need for a mental reset.

Craig Berube Sends a Loud Message With His Latest Lineup Decision

However head coach Craig Berube did indicate that while McMann wasn’t lining up, it doesn’t mean he wasn’t playing; that’s a decision for game-time.

Craig Berube says Bobby McMann isn’t out tonight. Berube says he has decisions to make before game time.

But it’s a sign that Berube’s normally thick patience level is wearing a bit thin, and with a lack of production from someone who he expected so much from, sitting him could be a necessary evil.

Plus we’ve seen how Nick Robertson has picked up his game on the top line, we know what Cowan is doing, and even Blais nearly has more points than McMann and he’s played two games.

While McMann has been uber-physical, that’s not the only facet of his game that he needs to excel in, and the longer he goes without scoring the more we start to recognize he may have been a flash in the pan.

There’s still lots of time for both Bobby McMann and the Toronto Maple Leafs to figure it out, but there’s only so much patience to go around for both the team and their fans.

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A Maple Leafs Forward Gets Benched While Another Earns a Big Opportunity

Do you think Easton Cowan deserves a top-six spot over Bobby McMann?

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