Maple Leafs' Jared Cowen: Arbitrator to determine fate with Leafs

The Maple Leafs will need an arbitrator to decide whether they can buy out the final year of Cowen's contract at $3.1 million, TSN reports. Various sources have indicated that the defenseman has experienced complications from a hip injury dating back to the regular reason; therefore, a standard buyout cannot take place.

This situation is like a hockey soap opera stuck on loop. The Buds have been relentless in trying to dump the 25-year-old, who was thrown into the Dion Phaneuf trade last February. He's been waived multiple times and refused to report to AHL Toronto, causing the Leafs to explore buyout options. Considering that Toronto had the worst record in the league last year and yet still had no use for Cowen, fantasy owners aren't likely to have much use for him either this year.