The Anaheim Ducks made a significant move by trading veteran defenseman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues, marking the end of his 15-season tenure with the Ducks. In exchange for Fowler, the Blues sent a second-round pick in 2027 and minor-league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka to Anaheim, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027.
Fowler, a first-round pick by Anaheim in 2010, holds the distinction of being the top-scoring defenseman in Ducks franchise history, amassing 457 points over his career. He leads the team in career goals, assists, and appearances among defensemen.
The 33-year-old defenseman has been a key figure for the Ducks, contributing to their five consecutive Pacific Division titles and two Western Conference finals appearances from 2013-17. Despite his significant contributions, the Ducks have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, with their last appearance dating back to 2018.
Fowler, who has been with the Ducks since he was 18 years old, has been known for his offensive prowess but has at times faced criticism for defensive lapses. He returned to the lineup in early December after recovering from an upper-body injury and has recorded four assists in 17 games this season.
General manager Pat Verbeek expressed gratitude for Fowler's contributions to the team, acknowledging the difficulty of parting ways with a player of his caliber. Verbeek highlighted Fowler's professionalism and commitment to the Ducks throughout the process.
Following the trade, the Ducks acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers, further strengthening their blue line. With promising young defensemen and experienced veterans on the roster, the Ducks are looking to build for the future.
Meanwhile, Fowler joins the Blues, a team with playoff aspirations under new head coach Jim Montgomery. St. Louis has shown improvement in recent games and aims to return to the postseason after missing out in the past two years.
The trade also involves Jeremie Biakabutuka, a 22-year-old defenseman who has played five AHL games for the Blues. Biakabutuka, the nephew of former NFL player Tim Biakabutuka, adds depth to the Anaheim organization.
