Detroit Red Wings: Getting to know Madison Bowey

To get a better grasp on what we can expect from Madison Bowey, I have asked the site expert Dave Stevenson over at Puck Prose a sister site to give us an in-depth look at where his game currently is and where it could go.

Bob Heyrman:  Where is Bowey’s game right now and what do you feel is his high water mark?

Dave Stevenson:  Right now, I think Bowey is a third-pairing defenseman at best. The Capitals never gave him much playing time (though he certainly didn’t earn that much), which I think is what has stunted his growth as a defenseman. Bowey has the physical tools to succeed, but his confidence is completely gone right now.

Bowey was excellent on the power-play in the AHL and in juniors, but never got time in Washington. If I’m the Red Wings, I give him time there and see where it leads. Maybe some success there will get Bowey his confidence back. Despite his lack of results, Bowey still has the ceiling of a second pairing defenseman, and he shows flashes of it.

BH:  Will he be an NHL regular?

DS: Bowey should be at worst a serviceable depth defenseman. He still has the physical tools that made him a second-round pick back in 2013, but his time to develop is running out. I hope the Red Wings give him lots of playing time because I think he can be a regular NHL defenseman and he’s an extremely easy guy to root for. Bowey should be a third pairing defenseman in Detroit, and maybe he turns into something more. But, as I said earlier, his clock is ticking.

BH: Was Bowey on the roster last season during the marvelous Stanley Cup run the Caps went on last season? I know he didn’t play a playoff game but was he in the press box?

DS: Yes, Bowey was on the roster then. He was in the starting lineup regularly last season until they traded for Michal Kempny. Bowey was very well liked in the locker room because of his optimistic attitude and willingness to do whatever it took to help the team.