The Journey: Bowey and Severson
Mike Barrett
2015-03-21
Looking at the fantasy prospects of the promising former junior tandem of Damon Severson and Madison Bowey.
Damon Severson
Dobber Ranking – #6 Defenseman
Team Ranking – New Jersey Devils #2 Prospect
Madison Bowey
Dobber Ranking – #21 Defenseman
Team Ranking – Washington Capitals #7 Prospect
This week we take a look at one of the safest, yet most exciting defensive prospects in the CHL today, and one of this NHL season’s biggest surprises: Madison Bowey and Damon Severson.
Turning 16 at the very end of the 2010-11 season, Bowey made his CHL debut for Kelowna, getting in three games and even earning his first career assist in his short time, while showing he could manage in his own end, with a plus-four rating.
Severson, playing out the final games of his junior career in 2013-14, posted career-highs of 15 goals and 46 assists for 61 points in 64 games (plus-47). This season he has been quite the nice surprise, not only making the team but contributing 15 points in 40 games. Definitely a sign of things to come. Good things.
They say numbers are the most important thing in hockey today, so here’s a number to crunch on, Bowey is a combined plus-123 over the last three seasons.
People often say plus-minus is a misguiding stat because it is the result of team play, and often the results are very inflated due to superior teammates. Though in this case, Bowey (and formally Severson) is the reason his teammates have such impressive numbers.
Over the holidays, the Winnipeg native was named to Canada’s World Junior squad. While some may have expected more points (four in seven games), those who watch him play on a regular basis knew exactly what Bowey would bring to the team. His positioning, shot blocking and transitional game is impeccable, and earned the respect of Canada’s coaching staff and quickly became the team’s top shutdown defender.
Defensive defenseman in the NHL have put up all sorts of points over their junior careers, because they are often bigger, and stronger than their opposition which allows worse decision making. But when they get to the NHL, all players have that strength, and they are forced to make the simple play with the puck to survive. Why a guy like Bowey is different is he gets points because of the strength of the little things in his game. His attention to detail is phenomenal for his age, and his maturity convinces me he is not far off from full-time NHL duties.
He is definition of two-way player. His footwork, reading of the play, and poise are all very above-average. Offensively he has a strong low shot that is good for deflections, walks the line well and knows when to join the rush.
He will undoubtedly become a fan favorite with his style of play and infectious attitude. A natural leader by example, the type to block a shot in the dying seconds when his team is up 4-0. Can shut down the oppositions top forward and run the power play. His ceiling might not that of Shea Weber, but he’s a safe investment who will pay dividends with patience regarding offensive numbers.