2017 NHL Draft Profile: Shane Bowers

With a 15th overall selection in the 2017 NHL Draft, the New York Islanders find themselves right in the middle of the pack. A perfect place to see how the board has shaken out so far and decide if they follow the trend, or go a bit off the path.

There isn’t a generational talent available at the 2017 NHL Draft, so the Isles don’t have to be worried about missing out on the lottery. Though the odds weren’t in their favor in the slightest.

But at 15 the Isles have a number of options available. We’ll look at Halifax native Shane Bowers.

We put him at 19 in our Mock Draft. Giving him to the San Jose Sharks as they try to decide if they’re done with the aging bearded core, or if they’ll give it another kick of the can.

What He Offers

Playing for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL, Bowers put up 51 points in 60 games pushing the team to Western Conference final. Bowers puts up points, but his game is more than that.

According to Jeff Marek of Sportsnet:

"[Bowers] doesn’t have one thing that stands out about his game, but is good at a number of things. Plays the full rink and brings a strong work ethic to every game."

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The immediate comparable is Patrice Bergeron. A player that can put up some serious points, but still give his team a full 200-foot game.

His Downfall

It’s that even though he’s put up those points he’s completely unremarkable. He seems destined to become an NHL player. But of what caliber remains to be seen.

He doesn’t have a particularly great shot, nor does he seem particulairly flight of feet. He’s absolutely average in every regard.

At 6’0″ 170lbs, he isn’t a powering brute that can make space on the ice with his frame. But he isn’t too small to be bossed around either.

He’s like the Goldilocks of prospects. Not too much of one thing or another, but just right.

Next: Dennis Seidenberg 2016-17 Player Grade

Shane Bowers is a great player with an almost guaranteed road to the NHL. And with a familiar advisor guiding his decisions – It’s none other than NHL agent Pat Brisson – maybe the future New York Islanders President of Hockey Operations nudges him our way.