Ottawa Senators defenceman Jared Cowen‘s ability to respond to criticism from general manager Bryan Murray may be hindered by his seeming unwillingness to accept it.
Cowen will be a healthy scratch Thursday when the Senators host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Murray called out the play of Cowen and fellow defenceman Patrick Wiercioch on Wednesday. Cowen responded Thursday by ostensibly saying he’s not listening.
“I don’t hear it because I don’t pay attention to that stuff because it doesn’t really matter,” said Cowen, via the Ottawa Citizen.
“I’m sure he could say the same thing about a lot of guys, so I’m not going to take it too personal.”
The 24-year-old acknowledged that he’s had struggles this season, but Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen notes that Cowen has not had any one-on-one interaction with the Senators’ coaching staff regarding what they want him to work on.
Murray was critical of Cowen and Wiercioch, 25, when speaking with media Wednesday regarding his interest in acquiring a defenceman (reportedly Trevor Daley of the Chicago Blackhawks) via trade in order to improve his club.
“We expect more from Wiercioch and Cowen, without a doubt,” Murray said.
“If we’re trying to fill one spot, either Patrick or Jared have to take a step and demand to get that role and take advantage of it.”
Cowen has three assists and a plus-3 rating in 16 games this season. He also sports a 41.7 per cent Corsi-for rating, which is the lowest mark among Senators defencemen.
The Senators currently sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with an 8-5-5 record.
