Subject of many trade rumors lately to the Detroit Red Wings or Montreal Canadiens, defenseman Cam Fowler has been the subject of trade rumors pretty much since the last NHL Draft selection last June. Rumors persisted throughout the summer, and Fowler stayed with the Ducks. Are those rumors real? Likely, after all, the Ducks have a surplus of talent on the defense corps and also have a need for offense upfront. With prospect Hampus Lindholm signed, the reality of seeing Fowler has slightly grown.
The Ducks have had a slow season start and are now regaining their winning ways lately with better play by their forwards. Although discussions have taken place between Detroit and Anaheim, it is believed, the Ducks are not in a hurry to trade their Windsor-native defenseman. With 4 goals and six assists in 15 games played, Fowler is also aligning solid performances which has the Ducks pondering their next move with their defenseman. Fowler has also spent an average of 24 minutes of ice time in his last four games, which means Fowler is part of the Ducks recent success.
Where the problem reside is with his contract. he currently earns 4M per season and has one more year left on his contract. Trading him makes it attractive to any other team with a cap hit at 4M and the play of a six to 7 million dollar player. In addition, when renegotiations will come, Fowler will be in for a big raise from his present salary. This is something the Ducks may not want t have to face now that Lindholm is locked up until 20-21.
Options for the Ducks
No doubt the Ducks will be listening but like in the case of Jacob Trouba, the Ducks have the luxury to wait for the right deal, a hockey deal. Detroit was rumored to offer prospect Anthony Mantha to the Ducks but that still remains to be seen. Montreal who is looking to pair a no.2 defenseman to star Shea Weber could offer a Mike McCarron but they still have hopes for their big center. At this point Nathan Beaulieu or Alexei Emelin haven’t been able to provide this one-two punch on the top pair for the Habs.
Waivers of the Day
Today on this Saturday 12 November, 2016, here are the waivers of the day: the Carolina Hurricanes decide to waive Jakub Nakladal, same goes for Toronto Maple Leafs Seth Griffith and Florida Panthers, Shane Harper.
** UPDATE ** Seth Griffith was claimed by the Florida Panthers. Griffith will add a certain offensive depth due to the numerous injuries the Panthers are stricken with. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad are still injured and Griffith will help the Panthers short term.
