Madison Bowey making a case to stay with the Detroit Red Wings

Defenseman Madison Bowey is making a case for himself to have a role in the future with the Detroit Red Wings.

He came to the Detroit Red Wings as the “throw-in” from the Washington Capitals in the Nick Jensen deal. I say throw in because the Wings were looking to obtain draft choices and General Manager Ken Holland received a second-round pick in next years NHL draft along with a Bowey, a 23-year-old defender.

Early on it seemed Madison Bowey would be a sixth or seventh defenseman at best but could find himself spending a lot of time with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Lately, he’s gotten a boost in playing time with all of the injuries that have hampered the Detroit Red Wings down the stretch, and he’s been able to show off his abilities and desire to play with a bit of an edge.

In recent games, he’s shown the ability to stay composed under pressure and exit the defensive zone with confidence.  He’s also tried to line up a couple of his opponents and deliver a Kronwall-type hit, his willingness to provide a significant blow gives him one more element of his game to create space for himself on the ice.

In an article written by Ted Kulfan from the Detroit News, they mention how much Trevor Daley has meant to the young defender and his recent growth;

"But Trevor Daley, in particular, has been a huge help. In fact, Bowey has been living in Daley’s house the last several weeks, keeping Bowey out of a hotel.Daley and Bowey did have to talk about a curfew the other day.“We actually joked around about that,” Bowey said after Thursday’s morning skate. “Now, he’s pretty good what that.”“It’s just the little things I can take away,” said Bowey. “You can learn a lot. I’m just picking a lot from guys, and as I go on, hopefully it helps me become a complete player and professional.”Bowey appreciated Daley’s offer to move in.“That was cool,” Bowey said. “When you’re stuck in a hotel and not knowing any of the guys, it was kind of tough. For him and his family to take me in, it’s been great and helping me feel welcome, and on the ice, just talking to the older veterans, they’re helping you with the systems, it’s reassuring.“It’s just been that much easier to kind of develop my game here and fit right in.”"

Daley offering to take Bowey in speaks volumes to his character and leadership.  He’s helping the young player feel comfortable in his home rather than forcing him to live out of a suitcase.  This is another reason why it’s helpful to have a few veterans mixed in with these young up and coming players.

The off-ice chemistry at times is as important to young players as the work on the ice, it allows them to learn from their elder teammates while they are away from the rink plus the time together helps younger, new players to the organization fit in with the locker-room.

He’s been playing north of 17:00 minutes a night over the last four games, and he’s been a plus 4.  Bowey isn’t exactly racking up the points, but he’s accumulated 10 points in 49 games this season between Washington and Detroit.