Cam Fowler’s production in the 2025-26 season was one of many reasons the season didn’t live up to people’s expectations.
Though it was far from abysmal, Fowler only put up 4 goals and 26 assists with a -11 +/-; he also slipped into more of a low-end second-pair role based on his minutes.
Fowler’s Emergence in 2024-25
One could argue that the Blues never would’ve even made the playoffs in 2024-25 if it weren’t for a midseason trade to acquire Fowler for a second-round pick.
Fowler was paired with Colton Parayko on the top pair pretty quickly and went from having the worst season of his career in Anaheim to putting up a team-leading 36 points among defensemen, along with a +19 +/-, in just 51 games.
Fowler also broke out in the playoffs, putting up a team-leading 10 points in the seven-game series. Fowler was getting solidified top-pair minutes while also being arguably the most dangerous asset on their power play.
Fowler’s Role in 2026-27
Going into this season, Fowler was thought to be a second or third-pair defenseman who could serve as a mentor to Logan Mailloux, Theo Lindstein, or Adam Jiricek. He still played a crucial role, but not necessarily one that warranted a three-year, $18.3 million extension.
However, head coach Jim Montgomery made the bold decision to trust Fowler to QB their second power-play unit over Colton Parayko and Philip Broberg. Additionally, with Mailloux now out at least eight weeks with a hand injury, Fowler has seen such an uptick in time on ice that he has actually led the team in minutes through their first five games.
What Fowler Needs to Do This Season
One may look at Fowler’s 0 points through the first five games and be disappointed and confused as to why an offense-first defenseman has yet to record a point despite leading the team in minutes.
Though this is true, Fowler has done a fantastic job of playing sound defense and easing the workload of a very young defensive core. Fowler also remains in the 79th percentile for max skating speed, at 21.37, and has looked explosive with his skating as well.
With that being said, especially with Mailloux’s absence, the offense is going to need to pick up for Fowler. Fowler doesn’t provide enough of a physical presence to make up for it if his offense remains quiet, and this power play desperately needs an offensive boost.
With Fowler showing glimpses of his 2024-25 self again, the question now looms as to whether the points will follow. The answer to that question may be what decides whether this year’s Blues team is in or out of the playoffs.
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