The NHL community is abuzz with the future of Anaheim Ducks veteran defenseman, Cam Fowler, who has often been compared to Hall of Famer Marcel Pronovost for his exceptional two-way play. Fowler, who has spent his entire 14-year career with the Ducks, is known for his elite mobility, puck-moving abilities, and offensive instincts, traits that have earned him the reputation of being the next Pronovost in modern hockey. Now, as Fowler’s time with Anaheim appears to be winding down, the hockey world is closely watching where the star defenseman could land next.
Fowler’s potential departure was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who revealed that both the player and the team are “working on what his future could look like.” With training camps starting across the league, Fowler has been notably absent from the Ducks’ camp, signaling that his status with the team is uncertain.
At 32, Fowler has two years remaining on his contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million. His deal also includes a four-team no-trade clause, giving him control over where he could be traded. However, Friedman has reported that Fowler has expressed a willingness to expand that list, potentially allowing Anaheim more flexibility in trade discussions.
“I don’t think this is a negative situation,” Friedman explained. “Both Fowler and the Ducks are working together to find the best solution. Fowler has shown a willingness to engage in discussions with more teams than initially expected, and there’s a lot of respect for him around the league. Don’t be surprised if Fowler is wearing a different jersey at some point this season.”
Cam Fowler has long been a staple of the Ducks’ defensive core, embodying the same qualities that once defined Pronovost’s legendary career. Fowler’s ability to control the game from the back end, both in transition and through precise passing, has drawn comparisons to the Hall of Fame defenseman who won five Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. Like Pronovost, Fowler excels at logging heavy minutes, playing in all situations, and contributing offensively when needed.
Since being drafted 12th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Fowler has appeared in 974 games, accumulating 453 points while averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per night. In the past three seasons alone, he has been remarkably consistent, playing in at least 76 games per year and scoring no fewer than 39 points. His presence on the ice has been a constant for Anaheim, even as the team has shifted toward a rebuilding phase.
The Ducks are expected to allocate more ice time to their younger, developing players, which may be part of why the team is considering moving Fowler. General Manager Pat Verbeek’s long-standing relationship with Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has fueled speculation about a potential trade, especially with Detroit still needing to sign restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.
For Detroit to acquire Fowler, the Red Wings would need to make financial adjustments, potentially moving out contracts like those of Justin Holl or Ville Husso. Additionally, if Detroit is serious about adding Fowler, they might have to consider including one of their top-six defensemen, such as Olli Maatta, in the deal. The Red Wings were not mentioned as frontrunners in a recent piece by *The Hockey News*, which listed the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks as top trade destinations for Fowler. However, Detroit was noted as an “honorable mention,” alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Nashville Predators.
Although Fowler, who turns 33 in December, may not align perfectly with Detroit’s long-term plans, his acquisition could offer a significant short-term boost to the Red Wings’ defensive lineup. His elite puck-moving skills and ability to play big minutes would complement Seider on Detroit’s top pairing, replacing the offensive void left by Jake Walman, who was recently traded to the San Jose Sharks.
Fowler’s presence would also provide head coach Derek Lalonde with greater flexibility on the blue line. Simon Edvinsson could be paired with either Jeff Petry or Ben Chiarot on the second pairing, while newly acquired Erik Gustafsson could solidify the third pairing. This leaves questions about the future roles of players like Holl or William Lagesson, who may not have a place on the Red Wings’ 2024-25 roster should a Fowler trade come to fruition.
Ultimately, Cam Fowler’s future is a major storyline heading into the new season. The defenseman, often seen as the modern-day equivalent of Marcel Pronovost, has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and respected players in the league. Whether he remains with Anaheim or finds himself on a new team, Fowler’s legacy as a steady, dynamic, and impactful defenseman is firmly established. For the Ducks, moving Fowler would be a clear indication of their commitment to a full rebuild, and for any potential suitors, acquiring a player of Fowler’s caliber could be the key to elevating their defensive game.
As Fowler’s next move looms, fans and analysts alike are eager to see where his storied career will take him next.
