The NHL’s rumor mill is always active, and this season is no different. With training camps kicking off this week, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler is a name generating considerable buzz.
Having played 14 seasons with the Ducks, Fowler is just 26 games away from reaching the 1,000-game milestone. Though he hails from Windsor, Ontario, and grew up in Detroit, he has been a top-notch puck-mover and steady scorer for Anaheim, accumulating 96 goals and 453 points in his career.
However, with the Ducks in the midst of a rebuild and having been at or near the bottom of the NHL standings in recent years, Fowler, now 32, is no longer their primary defenseman. With two years left on his contract, now is the opportune moment for the Ducks to consider trading him.
Veteran defensemen who can generate offense are currently in high demand, but Fowler’s four-team no-trade clause might limit his options.
So where might Fowler end up? We’ve identified six potential destinations that either make sense or have been mentioned in discussions. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if your team should be considered—or excluded—from the conversation.
Detroit Red Wings
Even if Fowler hadn’t grown up in the Detroit area, the Red Wings would still be a logical destination for him. The team is waiting to see the terms of restricted free agents Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider’s contracts. If Seider returns, he could benefit from another skilled puck-mover like Fowler, especially after losing Shayne Gostisbehere to Carolina and making few other moves besides re-signing Patrick Kane.
The Red Wings’ defense is veteran-heavy but lacks a truly offensive defender beyond Seider. Fowler could pair with Seider on the top pairing or provide depth on the second pair, enhancing their attack. With cap space and a need to return to the playoffs soon, acquiring Fowler makes a lot of sense.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues have been dealing with Torey Krug’s prolonged ankle injury and recently acquired veteran Ryan Suter to help fill the gap. However, Suter’s best years are behind him, and Fowler could be a valuable addition.
At 32, Fowler is slightly younger than Krug and significantly younger than the 39-year-old Suter. Krug’s $6.5 million cap hit aligns with Fowler’s, making a trade feasible, especially if the Blues use LTIR. While not a Stanley Cup contender, the Blues could use Fowler to bolster their playoff push in a competitive Western Conference.
Dallas Stars
The Central Division is a fierce battleground, with teams like the Avalanche, Stars, Jets, and Predators all vying for top spots. The Stars, aiming for the Stanley Cup, would benefit greatly from adding a player like Fowler to their defense.
Dallas already has puck-movers like Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley, but Fowler would add another elite dimension to their game. This move could give them an edge over their divisional rivals and bolster their chances in the playoffs.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets’ success heavily relies on goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s performance, but adding Fowler could significantly enhance their blue line and help advance further in the playoffs. Pairing Fowler with All-Star defenseman Josh Morrissey would strengthen their defense and support their forwards in generating goals.
The key question is whether Winnipeg is on Fowler’s no-trade list. If not, acquiring Fowler would be a substantial boost for the Jets.
Ottawa Senators
Ottawa could be an interesting destination if it’s not on Fowler’s no-trade list. The Senators have struggled with defensive depth, and Fowler would be a strong addition, especially after trading Jakob Chychrun. He would help fill the void left by Chychrun and bolster Ottawa’s chances of making the playoffs.
Adding Fowler would demonstrate Ottawa’s commitment to returning to the postseason and could help solidify their defensive corps.
Nashville Predators
After a blockbuster offseason that saw the Predators sign Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, adding Fowler could further solidify their roster. With a division that includes the Stars, Avalanche, and Jets, having a deep, offensively-capable defense is crucial.
Though adding Fowler would be a luxury move for Nashville, it could give them a significant advantage in a highly competitive division and improve their overall team depth.
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