Defenseman Jared Cowen, selected ninth overall in the 2009 NHL draft by the Ottawa Senators, is among 14 former first-rounders on the Avalanche’s training camp roster. Cowen, however, is the only one not under contract for the 2017-18 season. His professional tryout contract (PTO) expires the week leading into the Oct. 5 season opener at the New York Rangers.
Following a captain’s practice Wednesday at Family Sports Center, the 6-foot-5, 238-pound Cowen — who was inactive last season after being bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs — said he had multiple PTO offers but recognized the best opportunity was with Colorado.