Jared Cowen, Canadian ice hockey player

Jared Nelson Cowen, born on January 25, 1991, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenseman. Known for his imposing physical presence on the ice, Cowen embarked on a professional career primarily within the National Hockey League (NHL), the premier professional ice hockey league in North America. His journey in the NHL was predominantly with the Ottawa Senators, the team that invested significant draft capital in his potential.

Cowen’s path to the NHL began with a highly promising junior career. As a formidable defenseman for the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL), he garnered considerable attention from NHL scouts. His impressive performance, combining size, defensive acumen, and offensive potential, led to him being a coveted prospect. This promise culminated in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, where the Ottawa Senators selected him in the first round, as the ninth overall pick. This high draft position underscored the significant expectations placed upon him to become a foundational player for the franchise, a testament to his perceived talent and future impact in the league.

Following his draft, Cowen transitioned to professional hockey, spending parts of six seasons with the Ottawa Senators. Debuting in the 2010-2011 season, he established himself as a physical, stay-at-home defenseman who could contribute to the team's defensive core. During his time with the Senators, he played 249 regular season games, recording 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists). While he demonstrated flashes of the potential that made him a high draft pick, his tenure was also marked by challenges, including injuries that occasionally impacted his availability and consistency. Despite these hurdles, he remained a notable figure on the Senators' blueline during his time in the Canadian capital.

In a significant transaction on February 9, 2016, Jared Cowen was part of a blockbuster nine-player trade that saw him move from the Ottawa Senators to their provincial rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. This multi-player deal, famously centered around defenseman Dion Phaneuf heading to Ottawa, aimed to retool both franchises. However, Cowen's tenure with the Maple Leafs was unexpectedly brief and unplayed; he never appeared in a single game for the Toronto organization. Placed on injured reserve shortly after the trade due to a hip injury, he was subsequently bought out of his contract by the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2016. After attempting to revive his career with a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Colorado Avalanche during their 2017 pre-season, he ultimately did not secure a roster spot. Following this, Cowen made the decision to retire from professional ice hockey in 2017, concluding his playing career at the age of 26.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jared Cowen's Career

What position did Jared Cowen play?
Jared Cowen played as a defenseman in professional ice hockey.
Which NHL team drafted Jared Cowen?
The Ottawa Senators drafted Jared Cowen ninth overall in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Why did Jared Cowen never play for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Despite being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in February 2016, Jared Cowen never played for the franchise due to injuries, specifically a hip issue, which led to him being placed on injured reserve and ultimately bought out of his contract.
When did Jared Cowen retire from professional hockey?
Jared Cowen retired from professional ice hockey in 2017, following an unsuccessful tryout with the Colorado Avalanche during their pre-season.