The newest Detroit Red Wings defenseman made his debut in practice at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, and he couldn’t be happier for the opportunity that is now in front of him.
“I’m really thrilled and really happy to be here,” Bowey said after his inaugural practice with the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. “I’m really excited to join the team. This is a great opportunity for me to be able to play some games and figure out my game and I’m excited to get going.”
Detroit acquired Bowey from the Washington Capitals in a trade that saw defenseman Nick Jensen head to the nation’s capital. Washington then promptly signed Jensen to a four-year contract extension. Bowey will be looking to establish himself as a regular in the Red Wings lineup after being unable to find a consistent spot in the Capitals lineup.
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“I think it’s just going back to playing my game and being a hard guy to play against,” Bowey said. “This year, when I’ve played my best, it’s when I’m physical and a hard guy to play against, and bring a little offense when I have that opportunity. So first and foremost is taking care of my defensive zone and that should bode well for me.”
“He’s extremely hard working,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “Can skate. Has real range. Has probably yet to find his niche of how he can be better than other people in the NHL, and that’s why he’s here. His challenge is to say, what am I going to be better at that everybody else.”
Bowey is signed through next season with a cap hit of $1 million. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was drafted by the Capitals in the 2nd round of the 2013 NHL Draft (53rd overall) and has one goal and five assists in 33 games so far this season.
