Washington Capitals: Madison Bowey gets his deal

Washington Capitals defender Madison Bowey signed a two-year extension Thursday. Although higher than expected, it is a good value for both sides.

Madison Bowey and the Washington Capitals are together again. The defender agreed to a two-year contract Thursday worth $1 million in cap value per season.

With Bowey’s business done, all six projected blue-liners are under Caps control this season. If Christian Djoos signs an extension, and he is a restricted free agent after the year is over, then everyone is taken care of for the 2019-20 season too.

The Caps stress stability and have it in spades.

Although Bowey’s deal is an increase from projections, it is not an overpay. He made $750,000 in his rookie season and, under the collective bargaining agreement, Washington had to offer a minimum of $825k.

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In taking a two-year deal, Bowey forgoes arbitration next year, a bonus for the Caps if he has a breakout season. When his current contract runs out, he remains a restricted free agent after the 2020 campaign.

When both sides claim victory, it is a good thing. Bowey turned his 51-game effort into a million-dollar salary while Washington gets another chance to evaluate him before hitting restricted free agency. As the Caps transition over the next few years, he remains a vital part of their long-term plans.

If, on the off chance, he is demoted to Hershey the million salary holds. Again, added insurance for Bowey and him staying in DC full time.

But, his deal leaves Washington the financial flexibility to sign a cheap veteran defender if they feel the need. The current salary cap limit is $7.2 million away and Tom Wilson is the lone Caps player not under contract.

Even after Wilson negotiates his extension, Washington has a roster spot open as only 22 of their 23 required players have deals. Conventional wisdom says the Caps will have $3.2 million, plus or minus $500k, left after the last re-signing.

With Brooks Orpik waiting for the phone to ring, there is pressure on both Bowey and Djoos to hold the last pairing. Goalie is the other iffy spot for Washington as they see if Pheonix Copley can successfully be Braden Holtby’s backup. Best-case scenario is everyone meets expectations.

Any extra money can go to secure Washington’s potential UFA’s: Copley, Devante Smith-Pelly, Nic Dowd and Brett Connolly.

Next: A long-term look at goalie

As Madison Bowey focuses now on the ice, Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan is ready for a true vacation, well almost. Those two days before camp are heaven. We promise.