The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have agreed to terms with free agent defenceman Madison Bowey. The deal carries him to the end of the 2021-22 season and carries a $725k cap hit.
Welcome to 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁., Madison!
Defenseman Madison Bowey has agreed to a 2-year deal that runs through the 2021-22 season ($725,000 salary cap hit).#Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Ih4hp1aCC2
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 28, 2021
Blackhawks Sign Defenceman Madison Bowey
Bowey played for the Detroit Red Wings last season and appeared in 53 games for the team. He put up career highs in assists and points with 14 and 17, respectively. The Washington Capitals selected Bowey in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft. He made his debut for the team during the 2017-18 season and played 51 games and notched 12 assists. The following season he was dealt to the Red Wings, along with a second round draft pick, in exchange for defenceman Nick Jensen. In his 17 games that season with Detroit he scored one goal and three assists for four points to start his Red Wings Career. His time in Detroit lasted one more season where the young player saw an increased responsibility from his role in Washington, jumping form 13 minutes a night to just under 18 minutes.
Bowey played for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL during his junior career. In his final season with the club, he played 58 games and put up 17 goals and 43 assists for 50 points on the year. He’s a capable player in the offensive zone and can play both ends at an effective rate.
What This Means for the Blackhawks
Chicago just recently lost one of its top blue liners, Adam Boqvist, to COVID protocol. Bringing in a player with a similar playing style to Boqvist and more NHL experience is the perfect signing. He’s signed through next season as well, meaning he could be fighting for significant minutes on the team’s roster. Given the Blackhawks lackluster play in their own end, adding a proven defender will surely help their defensive play.
