Washington Capitals: Madison Bowey remains unsigned
By Ron Juckett
Washington Capitals restricted free agent Madison Bowey did not sign his qualifying offer. What kind of deal will he sign this year for the Caps?
Sunday was the last day players could accept qualifying offers from the Washington Capitals and other NHL teams.
Although It was expected Tom Wilson did not take his, as a long-term deal is still on the table, defenseman Madison Bowey skipping his is a mild surprise.
Bowey, 23, played in 51 games for the Caps last year. None in the postseason. Along with Christian Djoos, Bowey expects to start training camp fighting for a roster spot on the third-defensive pair. As it stands, he is the only blue-liner unsigned for next year.
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In his rookie year with Washington, Bowey’s reported salary was $750,000. Under the collective bargaining agreement, the Caps had to offer ten percent over that or $825,000. Djoos, who held more ice time in 2017-18, will earn $650,000 this year.
The front four defenders are signed at least through 2020-21 with John Carlson tagged through the 2024-25 campaign.
The decision here is not Washington’s, who could still sign a veteran right-defender to pair with Djoos, but Bowey’s. Unless he wants a longer-term deal than the Caps qualifying offer, a distinct possibility, it is hard to see what leverage he has.
Last year was Bowey’s first in the NHL. A second-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Bowey was a stalwart for Kelowna in the Western Hockey League. A two-way defender, his passing and slapper filled opposing nets. He scored 21 the year after his draft along with consecutive 60-point seasons before turning pro.
Tremendous numbers from the blue line.
A scrappy player, he had 25 assists his first season with the Hershey Bears in 2015-16. Injuries shortened his next season while Bowey made the jump to Washington in his third pro year.
Under the CBA, Washington keeps his rights, but can start negotiations wherever they want. Since he was tendered, and has played well in the minors, they want to give Bowey every chance to make the team. A deal around $900k per year is reasonable.
But, as they wait to see what their final salary cap number is, the Washington Capitals want to get something done sooner than later. For Madison Bowey, get it done. Next year, he is arbitration-eligible and carries real leverage. Something he does not have now.