Leafs Ponder on Nick Robertson’s Future Amid Easton Cowan’s Stellar Start | NHL News – The Times of India”

Rookie Easton Cowan is off to an impressive start for the 2025-26 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 20-year-old former OHL player has quickly acclimatized to NHL action and has made an immediate impact on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.

However, the same can’t be said for Nick Robertson, whose role within the team is now under re-examination. Cowan has averaged 13:19 of ice time over his first three games, contributing notable offensive and physical performances. He’s shown good judgment and vision, particularly setting up Matthews and Knies in a slick 2-on-1 play. Leafs supporters have noticed his ability to cope with the pace and intensity of NHL, making him a substantial contender for a permanent top-six winger position.

On the other hand, 24-year-old Robertson has had limited opportunities to display his skills with just 11:04 of average ice time over five games. His performance in games against teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers has been subpar, with under 11 minutes of playtime.

Even though Robertson scored a career-high 15 goals last season, his overall production has not met expectations. Given the return of injured forwards Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz, Robertson risks falling in the lineup and potentially losing game time to better performing players.

Looking at the team’s competitive ambitions, trading could be the best solution for both Nick Robertson and the Maple Leafs. It would allow for General Manager Brad Treliving to transfer him for an asset, offering Robertson a fresh start elsewhere. As for Cowan, he continues to demonstrate he can shoulder top-line duties, performing consistently without the need to match the output of more seasoned players.

Cowan’s strong start has thrown a spotlight on some tough decisions that Toronto will need to make regarding its roster. While there’s still time for Robertson to revive his NHL career, it’s clear that chances of that happening in Toronto are slim at best. Cowan appears to be the rising star in the team, bringing a breath of fresh air to the Leafs’ top line and shaping the team’s offensive future for the better.