Jared Cowen freed by Maple Leafs to find ‘a new job’

Damien Cox & Elliotte Friedman discuss the Canucks cap situation, Zac Rinaldo’s suspension and Winnipeg to host an outdoor game.

Jared Cowen, one of the former Ottawa Senators involved in the Dion Phaneuf trade, has been sent home by the Leafs and was told to await a buyout, according to Damien Cox.

In addition, Cowen can now begin approaching other clubs about a new contract that he may sign as early as July 1.

“He’s been sent home by the Leafs, told to await a buyout, but he’s also been told he can start talking to teams now about a new job on July 1st,” said Cox on Sportsnet’s Headlines segment.

Cowen, 25, has one more year on his contract with a $3.1 million cap hit, but has an interesting quirk in his deal. According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, if a team buys out Cowen, it will receive a salary cap credit of $650,000.

The 6-foot-5 defenceman was the ninth overall pick of the 2009 draft, but has spent most of his career dealing with a hip injury. He played 37 NHL games with the Senators this season before the trade and scored just four assists.

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