The Toronto Maple Leafs are two games into the 2025-26 season and are already dealing with multiple injury concerns. The first regular to go down was fourth-line center Scott Laughton. Laughton sustained a lower-body injury during the preseason and has yet to suit up in the regular season.
On Saturday night, another bottom-six forward, Steven Lorentz, went down with an upper-body injury. Lorentz sustained the injury following a hit by Ben Chiarot late in the first period of the Maple Leafs-Red Wings tilt.
The Maple Leafs’ injury situation now opens the door for prized rookie Easton Cowan to debut. Cowan had played with Lorentz and Laughton on the fourth line during the preseason. The 20-year-old had shown good chemistry with the two veterans.
However, Calle Jarnkrok’s solid play pushed Cowan out of the Opening Night lineup. But amid injury woes, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has an opportunity to dress the team’s top prospect.
With Laughton out, Nic Roy had taken over the 4C slot with Lorentz and Jarnkrok. Now, Cowan could take over Lorentz’s spot, leaving the fourth line combo as Roy-Jarnkrok-Cowan.
The Maple Leafs hope that Cowan’s ceiling is much higher than a fourth liner. But for now, the club could ease Cowan into a sheltered bottom-six role as he gets NHL experience.
Cowan Not Only Maple Leafs’ Option to Replace Lorentz
Easton Cowan is not the Toronto Maple Leafs’ only option to replace Steven Lorentz. Waiver pickup Sammy Blais could get the call on Monday afternoon against the Red Wings.
Blais was on the Montreal Canadiens roster, but was among the final cut in their training camp this fall. The Leafs claimed Blais amid the need for further depth in the bottom six. That depth will be put to the test, with Blais potentially getting a shot there.
Bringing Blais into the fold offers more of the game that Lorentz and Jarnkrok bring to the table. The Maple Leafs won’t get a ton of scoring from the 29-year-old. The Blues’ former sixth-round pick has appeared in 257 NHL games, scoring 27 goals and 71 points. That’s not bad, but not exactly top-line numbers.
Last season, Blais hit the ice for 53 games, scoring one goal and seven points for the Blues. Nevertheless, Blais could provide the Maple Leafs with precisely what they need from their fourth line at this point.
Why Cowan Makes More Sense for Toronto
Giving Easton Cowan a chance makes more sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs at this point. The club needs more scoring, and Cowan is too good to sit in the press box. Since injuries have precipitated his shot at the lineup, Craig Berube might as well take advantage of it.
If Cowan struggles over the next couple of games, the Maple Leafs can always turn to Blais, among other bottom-six options. Michael Pezzetta, Travis Boyd, and Vinni Lettieri could get looks if Cowan or Blais fail to impress.
As more information emerges regarding Lorentz’s injury, the Maple Leafs’ options will become clearer moving forward.
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