The Washington Capitals acquired his rights in 1976. The young recruit was granted a 12-game tryout, but spent the bulk of his first pro season in the minors with Springfield Indians of the AHL. Year Two brought full-time employment with the Caps where Rowe picked up 21 points and plenty of experience. The season's toil set the stage for the high point of his pro career?an event that came by the close of the following campaign. During that year, Rowe became the first-ever U.S.-born skater to score 30 goals in a single season.

He remained with the Caps until his trade to the Harford Whalers in 1983. His arrival in the Whalers' camp marked the beginning of a lengthy working relationship with a few breaks in between.

Rowe appeared in parts of three seasons in Hartford where his offensive numbers gradually declined, culminating with his demotion to the Binghamton Whalers of the AHL in 1982. Shortly thereafter, he signed as a free agent with the Caps' organization where he closed out the season with the Hershey Bears.

The following year, Rowe signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings where he met goaltender and future Whalers GM, Jim Rutherford. The two played most of the 1982-83 campaign in the Motor City and then were demoted to play for Adirondack of the AHL. During their travels together, Rutherford and Rowe became friends, a relationship that would open doors for Rowe a few years hence. Rowe rounded out his on-ice career with the Moncton Alpines of the AHL in 1983-84.

Since packing in his gear, he has served as a scout and assistant GM with the Hartford Whalers. After the club moved to Carolina, he assumed a variety of posts, including Executive VP, general manager and assistant coach, with the Hurricane's AHL affiliate, the Lowell Lock Monsters.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame