Shortly after announcing that they’ve traded Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks for Alec Regula and Ian Mitchell, the Bruins announced that they’ve swapped restricted free agents with the New Jersey Devils by sending Shane Bowers to Jersey for Reilly Walsh.
On the surface, this seems like just a minor league move. But things are not always as they appear.
Bowers, a former first round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2017 was acquired last season in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche for Keith Kinkaid. Walsh was selected in the same draft, two rounds and 53 picks later by the Devils. Bowers is coming off of his second contract while Walsh is coming off his entry level deal. Both are arbitration eligible and both require waivers to be sent to the AHL.
I think it’s safe to say that Bowers hasn’t lived up to his first-round pedigree. On the flip side, Walsh has shown more potential and was blocked on the New Jersey blueline.
The 5’11” and 181 pound right shot defenceman has produced offensively at every level. He’s coming off successive 40-plus point seasons with the Utica Comets of the AHL.A superb skater, he’s quick on his skates, has very good four-way mobility and is shifty and there’s some tenacity in his game. He’s able to walk the offensive blue line to open up lanes and is very capable of getting his shot through or creating a lane to set up a teammate. His IQ and vision are well above average. And he has an excellent shot.
His defensive game has shown some improvement over the last couple of seasons. He uses his smarts and skating ability to defend because he doesn’t have the strength to overpower his opponents.
He’s a bottom pair option for the Bruins, likely in Connor Clifton’s old spot. And in time, he could get some powerplay time. Only time will tell, but I believe the Bruins won this trade.
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Dom - Hockey 