With college hockey moving into its own March Madness stage upon the announcement of the NCAA tournament bracket Sunday night, it’s the time of year where players from teams whose season is completed begin making decisions on their future.
One of those players is Boston University forward Shane Bowers, who was a first round selection by the Ottawa Senators in 2017 before being traded to Colorado in the Matt Duchene deal. BSN Denver has learned Bowers is expected to be returning to school for his junior season, ending the speculation that he may join the Colorado Eagles for their potential postseason run.
Bowers certainly did not answer all of the questions he faced entering his sophomore season as it was going to be interesting to see what became of his offensive production after last year’s fourth overall pick, Brady Tkachuk, was no longer flanking him on the wing. Following a freshman season in which Bowers produced 32 (17g, 15a) points in 40 games, his numbers this year dipped to just 21 (11g, 10a) points in 37 games. Bowers also appeared for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, recording two assists in five games while primarily playing on the fourth line.
It was a slow start for Bowers this season and a disappointing year overall for the Terriers. Traditionally one of college hockey’s powerhouses, BU missed the tournament this year and then saw an exodus of talent to various NHL teams. There was enough turmoil this year that Bowers QMJHL’s rights were traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs and there was a lot of speculation he would leave school and join them for a playoff run this year. Instead, Bowers stayed through the season and now Bowers is one of the few drafted Terriers who elected to stay. He will be given top center responsibilities next season and be the centerpiece of a rebuilding Terriers team.
At development camp last season, Bowers expressed a desire to play one more year of college hockey before turning pro and beginning the next stages of his career. Given the disappointing season had by him and his team overall, his decision to return to school for one more bite at the apple might serve him best long-term. Avs fans might remember something similar happened when J.T. Compher took a similar step back in the stats department in his sophomore year before exploding in his junior year as part of Michigan’s dominant “CCM” line and signing with Colorado that summer.
While the offense took a step back for Bowers, his value has long been tied to his two-way ability and his future profile likely lands as a potential replacement for Carl Soderberg, whose five-year contract with the Avalanche ends at the end of the 2019-20 season. Bowers is arguably the top forward prospect in the Avalanche system alongside Martin Kaut, who has enjoyed a nice rookie season in the AHL.
0 Comments (5 conversations)
JDC15
Not the worst move. One of the the things I think lost in the progression of prospects and their natural maturity as players is they mature at different rates. There is lot to say about mastering a level and the skills at level before making the next step. Often when a prospect is expected to be something like a middle 6 forward and they make the jump and they aren’t ready they are pushed down in their role, like a middle 6 forward becoming a 4th liner in an effort to get PT. Let’s not all forget Bowers is still 19 and is going to play next season as a 20 yr old.
Rich
I think this move will benefit Bowers more than most fans think this will give a him a chance to take the reigns on the first line with BU due to the NHL signings today of his former teammates. The Compher comparison is perfect – he will have a better chance after his junior year to by pass the Eagles and compete for a spot with the Avs.
Hockeyhead
Sounds good for him to develop one more year in college. You have to wonder what Jost’s play would be like now if he had spent another year in college????
Shout out to the Wings and Kings tonight!!!!!!!!! Thank you and keep it up til the season ends.
Pucklehead
Nice update AJ…it is clear that jost needed at least another year at UND…he isn’t strong enough or fast enough to overcome his lack of size and strength at this stage…Joe S is patient but he needs to get stronger…like Josts stick work which I do think has improved this season
Nels
Good stuff AJ, thanks. Any word on the status/estimated return of Rants, Landy, Nieto, or Greer? Sure looks like we need any or all of those guys to make the playoffs, even with a hot goalie.
bjjones05
I do hope he plays for the Avs after college and doesn’t decide to become a college FA after a possible senior year. I think he can fit well on this Avs team.