Cowan Signs, Avoids Arbitration

The Kings signed Jeff Cowan to a two-year, $1.4 million contract Thursday, keeping the grinding left wing in the fold beyond the four weeks he spent with the team after being acquired in March from the Atlanta Thrashers.

The Kings have an option for a third year that becomes Cowan’s option if he reaches certain scoring incentives.

A restricted free agent who made $525,000 last season, Cowan avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on the last day players were eligible to file for arbitration.

Cowan, 27, had two goals, an assist and 24 penalty minutes in 13 games with the Kings while playing primarily on the fourth line.

He had nine goals and 15 assists in 58 games with Atlanta before being traded to the Kings for enforcer Kip Brennan.

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King center Eric Belanger, a restricted free agent who was given a qualifying contract offer of about $820,000 for one year, has filed for arbitration.

Belanger, 26, had 13 goals and 20 assists last season, his fourth with the Kings.

Salary arbitrations take place Aug. 1-15, and decisions must be rendered by Aug. 17.

-- Mike Bresnahan