Fowler proved he was the best in-season acquisition in 2024-25, and then shined even brighter in the playoffs

Fowler shattered all of his critics after being traded to the Blues in mid-season. Just how great was he, and what did he earn for a grade for his performance?
Apr 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler (17) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler (17) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Blues did not make a ton of moves in 2024-25, but they did make the right ones. After firing Drew Banister and then hiring head coach Jim Montgomery, the whole identity of the Blues changed. And then, at the beginning of December, they made the best in-season acquisition they could possibly make, and it revolutionized this team.

When the Blues traded with Anaheim for Cam Fowler, their return on investment increased tenfold. He shined in the regular season and then went full supernova at the most important time of the year.

2024-25 Expectations

As a part of the rebuilding, re-identifying, re-everything Anaheim Ducks, Fowler was a veteran who was trying to pull all the pieces together. In his 15th year with the team that took a chance on him in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry draft, there was not much hope of making another playoff appearance before the clock struck midnight on his career.

But, a trade bringing the lefty d-man to the 'Lou gave him just that, and did he fit in nicely. In his first few games wearing the Blue Note, Fowler slid right into the defensive pairs like he had spent the last 15 years with the Blues, not the Ducks.

Fowler was one of the best defensemen in the 2024-25 season. In 51 games with the Blues, he scored nine goals and 27 assists for 36 points, which ranked him in a tie with Colton Parayko for the most points by blueliners for this team. Truly remarkable stuff from a 33-year-old veteran who has not had much to play for over the past couple of seasons.

He was crucial in the 12-game franchise record-setting win streak. Over that stretch, he helped out with two goals and 11 assists for 13 big points. One of those goals kept the streak alive with this incredible overtime winner against Detroit.

Fowler will continue to be a big part of this Blues team. He has earned his place with this organization, and there is no denying that General Armstrong made an A+ trade here. The veteran blueliner can be a great asset over these next few seasons that are projected to be successful.