Washington Capitals: Madison Bowey odd man out

The Washington Capitals brought back Brooks Orpik. In the process, they throw doubt into how much Madison Bowey will play. What is best way to handle it?

As most Washington Capitals fans rejoice at the return of Brooks Orpik, those who root for Madison Bowey may not act as loud.

With Orpik coming back for his fifth season with the Caps, it is Bowey who stands to lose the largest chunk of ice time. Both right-defenseman, you cannot dress seven defenders a night. John Carlson and Matt Niskanen are higher on the depth chart at RD.

Unless Bowey platoons at left defense with Christian Djoos, ice time will come at a premium.

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All is not lost for Bowey. You can expect Orpik to get plenty of rest during the season. Remember, it is his leadership and crunching hits Washington wanted back as they defend the Stanley Cup. But, Bowey is not guaranteed every night either.

Coming off a fresh two-year contract, his first as a restricted free agent, Bowey’s salary is the same whether he plays in Washington or Hershey in the AHL. A million per year, and it is not a two-way contract. No more downgrade in money if they demote him. The paychecks remain the same even on a long bus ride.

The question for Washington is what is the best way to develop Bowey this year?

Assignment to Hershey out of the gate is not smart. The temptation to run Orpik out there every night is real, but he turns 38 before the season and skated 1973 minutes in 104 regular and postseason games. You risk injury and deep fatigue when you need him most.

But, is it best for Bowey to be a healthy scratch half the year? You need to go back two years to the last time he played over 70 games in a season. He needs the works.

Also, he must learn to throw his weight around and delver checks. With the Caps over 51 games, Bowey dished 48 hits and 42 blocked shots. Remember, Orpik gave 168 over 81. That is over two checks a game compared to barely less than one.

If Bowey is to earn his ice time, he must knock players off the puck and take it away.

Next: Orpik welcomed back with open arms

Madison Bowey needs a strong training camp for the Washington Capitals. He has to show why they paid him seven-figures a year. The more he plays over Orpik, the fresher the vet will be come spring. Yet, the pressure is on the kid. Time to earn his stripes.

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