Jared Cowen believes his road back to the NHL runs through Colorado, as he's agreed to a pro tryout with the Avalanche.

Cowen is hoping to return after sitting out last season with a hip injury. While the 26-year-old did not take to the ice in 2016-17, he still made waves in a contract grievance against the Toronto Maple Leafs, his former team.

In June 2016, the Maple Leafs attempted to buy out the final year of Cowen's contract, in which he was due $4.5 million. However, Cowen filed a grievance against the club, claiming his injury nullified the buyout and that he was owed his full salary. An arbitrator dismissed the case in December, as the buyout was deemed within the rules.

Cowen originally came to Toronto in the February 2016 trade that sent former captain Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native last skated in the NHL with Ottawa during the 2015-16 campaign, when he netted four points in 37 contests in his fourth full season with the club. The Senators selected Cowen with the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft.

As for the road ahead, Cowen should have good odds at finding a spot with the Avalanche, as the club currently has just three defensemen under contract.

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