Interesting quote from Bryan Murray in Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts today. As always, Friedman's entire piece is worth the read.
Here's the section of note:
28. Bryan Murray had some calls about Jared Cowen, who's had a rough season. He didn't bite. "I believe this guy is going to be a really good player for a long time," Murray said. "He's lost his confidence. We're going to send him home in the summer and start fresh next year with a new outlook. That's all it is."
I guess the first couple of sentences are expected -- no one's suggesting Jared Cowen had even a half-decent season, and the organization's still optimistic that he can turn it around. The theory that an off-season of work and development can push his game forward probably has some merit, though it's interesting to hear that the team thinks it's a bit of a confidence issue, too.
I think the fascinating part here is that last sentence -- the one where Bryan Murray talks about having Jared Cowen ready for next season, specifically. The math is pretty damn unfavorable for Ottawa at this juncture with respect to a potential playoff berth, but they're not dead. And, the organization's been pretty gung ho about trying to beat the odds and go on a run late here.
Two things seem pretty clear to me. One, the organization feels that taking a gamble on Jared Cowen turning it around in the coming season(s) is worth it, and that any trade interest teams are showing in him these days wouldn't amount to fair value in a prospective deal. Two, the organization's more or less given up on Jared Cowen being an impact player ... for this season.
For as hopeful as they are about his future, that last sentence didn't sound very optimistic about the present. Funny timing, though. He's scored a few goals of late. Maybe that gets the confidence stuff sorted out a bit.
Back with more tomorrow.
Thanks for reading!