Madison Bowey: Prospect Profile for Washington Capitals' 2nd-Round Pick

Player: Madison Bowey

Drafted By: Washington Capitals (53rd overall)

Position: Defense

Final Central Scouting Ranking: No. 32 North American skater

Height/Weight: 6'1'', 194 lbs

DOB: April 22, 1995 (18 years old)

Most Recent Affiliation: WHL, Kelowna Rockets

Background

In 2010-11, Madison Bowey made his WHL debut, appearing in three games while completing his final year in the Manitoba Midget League. The next year saw Bowey line up as a full-time member of the Kelowna Rockets. He showed a lot of promise in his first full season in the WHL, posting 21 points in 57 games.

In 2012-13, Bowey improved upon his point totals from a year prior. He put up 30 points while skating in 69 contests for the Rockets. The most noticeable jump came in the plus/minus column. While Bowey was a respectable plus-three in his first full WHL season, in 2013, he was ridiculously reliable, as evidenced by his plus-41.

Full Scouting Report

Bowey doesn't come in as an overly large defender, but he plays bigger than he actually is. He never shies away from the physical stuff and loves to play the body whenever he can. Generally considered a solid all-around blueliner, Bowey's most outstanding trait is his skating.

He's not afraid to carry the puck up ice himself, and his transition game has greatly improved over the last year.

While he isn't particularly impressive in the offensive zone, he's not a detriment in that area either. Bowey's shot is sound, and his vision allows him to find open teammates as they present themselves.

He's been more concerned with play in his own end with the Rockets, but the potential is there for Bowey to evolve a bit more of an offensive edge to his game. You'll rarely see him chasing the game—something scouts accused him of doing in his earlier years. Instead, he's a patient defender who tends to make the most of high-percentage plays.

NHL Player Comparison

Jay Bouwmeester of the St. Louis Blues. While Bowey is still a very raw talent, his style of play reminds us a lot of Bouwmeester. He isn't going to blow anyone away in any particular aspect of the game, but he's always solid with the puck and while defending.

NHL Timetable

Bowey is solid all around, but he still needs some time to grow into his game. As such, the 2016-2017 season is a good window for the defender. Expect him to spend another year in the WHL and then to receive some more seasoning in the AHL before finally reaching the NHL.

Top-End Potential

It'll take a lot of work and dedication by Bowey and the men responsible for training him, but the talent is there for him to be a No. 2 defenseman in the NHL.