When the St. Louis Blues acquired Cam Fowler, there was some confusion among fans. Some fans, including myself, felt that adding another veteran defenseman on a pricy contract wasn't necessary, considering the team has no shortage of those.
Fowler showed signs of declining this season, although he was on a dreadful Ducks team. His defensive game was declining, and the Ducks had reason to believe he was past his prime. Since the trade to the Blues, however, Fowler has looked like a new player.
Cam Fowler was the player of the game in Chicago
Cam Fowler was obviously the biggest story from the Winter Classic. His 1000th game, the Winter Classic, scoring two goals, it was something you couldn't make up. Fowler became the first player in NHL history to play his 1000th career game in the NHL outdoors.
Cam Fowler's stat line in the Winter Classic was two goals, two points, two shots on goal, and a +1 out on the ice. He was one of the most noticeable players out on the ice, and it was his vision to find the perfect shot that led to his two goals.
Fowler has been the perfect pairing mate for Parayko
Since Alex Pietrangelo left in 2020, the Blues have been trying to find a top-pair defenseman to play with Colton Parayko. They've tried the free agency route when signing Torey Krug; it's safe to say that hasn't worked out. They tried the trade route with Nick Leddy, and while that pairing has had some success in the past, it hasn't been consistent.
Cam Fowler reminds me a lot of Jay Bouwmeester, with more obvious offensive upside. He makes the right plays and doesn't do anything to make him noticeable for the wrong reasons. The Blues have found a diamond in the rough, as Fowler has one more year on his deal after this season.