The St. Louis Blues may have just hinted to the NHL that their eyes are on winning now with a trade. They have acquired defenseman Cam Fowler and a fourth-round pick in 2027 from Anaheim for defenseman Jerimie Biakabatuka and a second-round selection, also in 2027.
Fowler, who has played all 15 years of his career with the Ducks, comes to St. Louis to bolster their blue line. In 17 games this season, he has four assists and is -7. As an offensive d-man, he can help the defense in that department. The 33-year-old should be exceptionally helpful in leadership, particularly mentoring standout blue-liner Philip Broberg.
The sweetener of this deal is that Anaheim will retain the rest of Fowler’s contract for the remainder of this season and the final year of his eight-year, $52 million in 2025-26. That is outstanding, to say the least.
Trade details:
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 14, 2024
To #stlblues: D Cam Fowler, 2027 4th Rd Pick
To #NHLDucks: 2027 2nd Rd Pick, D Jeremie Biakabatuka
Ducks retain $2.5 million on Fowler’s $6.5 million remaining over this year and next.
Like Corey Perry (988), Fowler ends up 9 games short of 1,000 as a Duck.
The Blues undoubtedly won this trade, for now, and on paper. Fowler comes over to a winning hockey club with eyes set on the present and not the future. With defenseman Nick Leddy still out with injury, it is unclear where he still fits in with this move when he returns healthy.
With the Blues already in Dallas for their match-up tonight against the Stars, Fowler will not be suiting up. But, keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow night's matchup against the New York Rangers for the arrival on home ice.
Do you think the Blues won the deal, and how do you think Fowler will fair for the rest of the season?