Jared Cowen is reportedly still a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he appears to be involved in an arbitration dispute.
The defenseman wasn't bought out before the end of the first window Thursday, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.
Cowen's medical status is believed to be in question, according to McKenzie, who added that both the team's and Cowen's representatives refused to comment.
The players' union is reportedly taking action.
It's believed NHLPA is now involved. This may well be subject of grievance arbitration but details scarce as both sides refuse to comment.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL and NHLPA did in fact begin an arbitration case Wednesday to determine whether the Leafs can buy Cowen out.
A decision isn't expected in the immediate future, according to Friedman, but the reported dispute apparently concerns whether Cowen was healthy when he was shut down after Toronto acquired him from the Ottawa Senators in February.
3) but, word is Cowen had surgery after he left TOR on a doctor's recommendation. Prior to that, he had been cleared to play in AHL...
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2016
The Leafs placed Cowen on waivers for buyout purposes when the first window opened June 15, and he cleared the following day.
The 25-year-old was traded to the Leafs in the deal that sent former captain Dion Phaneuf to the Senators. Cowen didn't play a game for Toronto due to hip problems.
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