After over a decade anchoring the Anaheim Ducks’ blue line, it seems Cam Fowler’s tenure with the team may soon be coming to an end. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, both Fowler and the Ducks are in the early stages of exploring trade options in what he described as a “positive working environment.”
Drafted 12th overall in 2010, Fowler has long been a cornerstone of the Ducks. While the lofty expectations of being labeled “the next Scott Niedermayer” may have cast an unfair shadow, Fowler will still be remembered as one of the greatest defensemen in the team’s history. His steady presence on the ice, coupled with his leadership in the locker room, made him a fan favorite despite not always being in the spotlight.
Fowler ranks third in franchise history for games played, with 974, trailing only Corey Perry (988) and Ryan Getzlaf (1,157). He also holds the Ducks’ franchise records for defensemen in goals (96), assists (357), and points (453). His contributions to the Ducks’ success over the years, particularly during deep playoff runs, have cemented his legacy. However, despite these impressive accolades, Fowler’s performance has noticeably declined in recent years, particularly following a knee injury in 2017 that seemed to impact his mobility and overall effectiveness.
Throughout his career, Fowler carried a heavy workload, never logging under 20 minutes of ice time per game. Unfortunately, consistency in his defensive partners was rare, often paired with bottom-pairing defensemen or rookies. Bright spots—like his brief pairing with Ben Lovejoy—were fleeting, and Fowler had to shoulder much of the defensive burden himself. It’s possible that the lack of stable partnerships over the years contributed to the gradual decline in his play.
With two years remaining on his contract at $6.5 million per year and a trade clause that limits the Ducks’ options to just four teams, moving Fowler is no easy task. Fowler has expressed a willingness to waive his clause, giving the Ducks more flexibility in finding a trade partner. However, reports suggest Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is reluctant to retain salary, making a trade even more challenging for teams interested in acquiring him.
It’s bittersweet to envision Fowler leaving Anaheim. Despite being from Michigan, he fit the California lifestyle perfectly, and his calm demeanor made him a natural leader on the team. Though I’ve jokingly criticized his play at times, his departure will undoubtedly be a sad moment for long-time Ducks fans. Fowler himself seems to recognize that it’s time for the Ducks’ young defensemen—like Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger—to take on larger roles and define the team’s future.
Last season, Fowler’s on-ice performance hinted at mental disengagement—skating away from scrums, avoiding confrontations, and looking disinterested on the bench. It was clear something had to change, and Fowler’s departure might just be the beginning of a new chapter for the Ducks as they transition out of the rebuilding phase.
Friedman also mentioned John Gibson being in a similar situation. While trade rumors surrounding Gibson have circulated for years, the idea of both Fowler and Gibson leaving truly marks the end of an era for the Anaheim Ducks.
Thank you for reading, and GO DUCKS!
ITR 31: Let Them Fight – Inside The Rink
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