Cowan, Robertson, and Maple Leafs Top-Six Pressure

It’s an honest question for the Toronto Maple Leafs: are they putting too much on the shoulders of Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson? Until Cowan was moved to the AHL Toronto Marlies earlier this week, both young forwards had been thrust into roles most rookies — or even second-year pros — would struggle to fill, and the scrutiny is intense.

Cowan’s still nine games into his pro career. His first NHL goal is a milestone, but expecting him to consistently drive offence alongside stars like John Tavares and William Nylander is a tall order. Robertson, meanwhile, has been around the Maple Leafs organization for a few years but has faced setbacks, healthy scratches, and a career goals-per-game average of 0.20. His best season saw 15 goals in 69 games. Now, suddenly, he’s expected to help carry the first line — and sustain it over the long term.

The Maple Leafs Are a Top-Heavy Team, and the Pressure on Youth

The Maple Leafs’ depth isn’t forgiving. Players like Maccelli, Domi, Joshua, Roy, Jarnkrok, and Lorentz have struggled to contribute consistently. The team is top-heavy, and when the top-six wingers can’t deliver, the pressure cascades down. That’s why Cowan and Robertson are so visible — they are not just filling roster spots; they are being counted on to be offensive catalysts.

This isn’t purely about numbers. It’s about growth, opportunity, and risk. Cowan had Tavares guiding him, teaching him how to play without the puck, stay engaged defensively, and find the open lane. Robertson has flashes of high-end skill that suggest he could thrive in the right environment. But both need time and room to develop chemistry with their linemates, something the Leafs have historically struggled to allow with frequent line juggling.

What Happens If Robertson and Cowan Don’t Work?

At some point, experimentation gives way to necessity. If the young forwards don’t consistently produce, Berube might have no choice but to mix the lines again, reshaping the roster and rotating players like Joshua and Roy back into top-six roles. In the meantime, Cowan has headed to the AHL, and Robertson is being tested under pressure that few young players encounter, and the outcome could define the season — and perhaps their careers.

The Maple Leafs are betting on youth. The question is whether the bet is fair — or whether it’s just the latest example of a team trying to solve its scoring problems on the fly.