Report: Maple Leafs' Cowen in arbitration case over buyout terms

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.

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.

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.