The Habs have added a bit of defensive depth for Laval as they’ve agreed to terms with Madison Bowey on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth $750,000 in the NHL, $300,000 in the AHL, and has a guarantee of $395,000.
The 27-year-old right-shot rearguard has played in 158 career NHL games between Washington, Detroit, Chicago, and Vancouver, picking up five goals and 35 assists while averaging 15:36 per game. However, Bowey only four of those appearances have come in the last two seasons as he has spent most of that time in the minors.
That should be the role he has with Montreal as well, serving as a key defender in Laval while being a serviceable recall if needed when injuries arise. Last season, Bowey played in 53 games with AHL Abbotsford, picking up 28 points while making two appearances with Vancouver.
Laval’s back end is set to undergo a sizable makeover next season. Xavier Ouellet (Pittsburgh) and Tobie Paquette-Bisson (Los Angeles) have both moved on already while Louie Belpedio and Sami Niku are unrestricted free agents. That’s most of their top four set to depart (Corey Schueneman being the lone returnee) so Bowey should have a chance to play on the top pairing with the Rocket as they look to reload following a strong playoff showing.
Bowey’s Stats: