The Anaheim Ducks are still in the early stages of their rebuild and may look to trade some of their veteran players in the coming weeks or months, including standout defenseman Cam Fowler. According to Eric Stephens of The Athletic, two teams seem like logical landing spots for Fowler if Anaheim decides to make him available: the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. Stephens points out that Detroit is a natural fit, as Fowler grew up in suburban Farmington Hills and spends his summers there. On the other hand, Toronto is always seeking defensive upgrades, despite being tight against the salary cap. Stephens also mentioned Dallas and Winnipeg as possible destinations, though the Jets already had a strong defense last season, and Fowler might have to take on a reduced role with the Stars.
With two years remaining on Fowler’s eight-year, $52 million contract, which carries a $6.5 million cap hit, both Toronto and Detroit could explore potential trades for the 31-year-old defenseman. This isn’t mere speculation either, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Fowler and the Ducks are working positively together regarding trade possibilities.
Friedman shared on September 6 that Fowler has shown a willingness to consider more teams outside of his 28-team no-trade list, adding that the veteran defenseman is highly respected around the league, which would likely draw interest. While Fowler’s contract only includes a four-team trade list, both Friedman and Stephens have noted that Fowler has expanded this list to over 10 teams, increasing the chances of a deal. Stephens also suggested that, though trades of this magnitude are rare just before the season, a move before the end of September would allow Fowler to join his new team in time for training camp and preseason preparations.
