It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours to get you through your week. We’re almost to the start of training camps later this month. However, there’s plenty of talk about the future ahead. We know where some teams may stand, but the future is hazy for others. The race to acquire assets will be upon us sooner rather than later. One team that may still be rebuilding is the Anaheim Ducks. Today’s edition of NHL rumours deals with one of their key defencemen.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Anaheim Ducks Defenceman Faces Uncertain Future
Rumour: In a recent edition of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman stated that defenceman Cam Fowler are “working on what his future could look like.”
32 Thoughts Friday news & information podcast. We go through every team. Lotsa tidbits. Great editing work from @CamJBarra, pinch-hitting for Dom. Back next Friday, then returning to our regular Monday/Friday schedule.
Enjoy!https://t.co/io7Mr1RceU
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 6, 2024
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Analysis: Fowler has two more seasons left on his deal that has a cap hit of $6.5 million per season. He also has a no-trade list that restricts him to four possible destinations. Friedman did add the recent podcast that the 32-year-old blueliner is willing to expand his list to more teams.
The insider added Fowler would likely draw plenty of interest from contending clubs. Friedman also mentioned that Fowler is one of the more well-respected veterans in the league.
Fowler has been through the good times and the bad in Orange County. The Windsor, Ontario native has spent 14 seasons with Ducks and has still been a contributor on the roster.
Flying Away from the Pond?
However, the Ducks and General Manager Pat Verbeek are in a rebuild. Anaheim has missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs every since the the 2017-18 campaign. It’s been a painful few seasons that’s seen many fixtures from those strong teams slowly go away. However, Fowler has remained a constant despite all the changes.
There are some exciting young players coming through the pipeline in Orange County. However, Verbeek might be able to get assets for Fowler. It doesn’t hurt to have more chances at hitting on getting a young standout.
Dealing Fowler would likely get a good return for Verbeek. However, it’s unlikely a deal happens before the start of the season.
When and Who May Be Interested
It may not be time for Fowler to be moved before the season, but injuries and other things do happen. Stanley Cup contenders often need to prepare for deep post-season runs and a player like Fowler could help in that push.
Patrick Present of The Hockey News had a list of four likely destinations that could make a play for the veteran defender. Names like the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers got the most attention.
All three clubs would love to add Fowler as a veteran part of their defensive group. The Oilers recently gave Travis Dermott a professional tryout deal. However, Fowler may be out of Edmonton’s price range.
Florida and Vancouver seem to be in the mix and adding Fowler would give either roster a boost. Verbeek may not feel the need to trade Fowler right away with him having two years left on his contract. However, the calls get louder the closer the league draws to the trade deadline.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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