The Toronto Maple Leafs tried to buy out Jared Cowen when the first buyout period came around, but Cowen is fighting vehemently for his right to wear a suit for 82 games while the Leafs keep him far away from the ice.
The battle between player and team isn’t likely going to affect what the Toronto Maple Leafs do with the second buyout window, though. Toronto currently has $435K in cap space (Cap Friendly) – a number that can up with the placement of Nathan Horton on LTIR.
They don’t need to buy anyone out.