The time for NHL teams to make key decisions is now before the trade board dwindles and the standings open up Cam Fowler [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMzk1NTI5NDUwNDY0NDE1/usatsi_24916151.jpg] Cam Fowler The Anaheim Ducks traded defenseman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman [https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1867961635110887922]. The Blues also receive a 2027 fourth-round pick, while the Ducks get a 2027 second-round pick and defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka. Fowler is in the seventh year of an eight-year contract that earns him $6.5 million annually. However, Anaheim is retaining 38.5 percent of his contract, meaning the Blues get the defenseman for just under $4 million against the cap. The 33-year-old is in the 15th season of his NHL career and has played all of his 991 games for the Ducks. He was selected 12th overall in 2010 by Anaheim and has the second-most games played by players chosen in that draft. Fowler is also one of the longest-serving members of the Ducks in franchise history. Only long-time captain Ryan Getzlaf has more appearances for the Ducks than Fowler. The Windsor, Ont. native leads all defensemen in scoring in Ducks franchise history, not by a close margin. Fowler has a total of 457 career points. The next man up is Scott Niedermayer with 264 points with Anaheim. As the Ducks sit bottom of the Pacific Division, Fowler has four assists in 17 games this season. His career high with Anaheim was the 2022-23 campaign when he scored 10 goals and 48 points. Fowler has been a minute-muncher for the Ducks. In the last three seasons, he’s averaged over 24 minutes of ice time, similar in that sense to the Blues' Colton Parayko who averages 24:45 of ice time is similar to him in that sense. The two blueliners could potentially be partners at some point this season. St. Louis is currently four points back of a wild-card spot. This move by GM Doug Armstrong may help push the team past those in their way, such as the Utah HC, Seattle Kraken and the Calgary Flames. This is Anaheim’s second trade of the month. On Dec. 6, GM Pat Verbeek acquired D-man Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/news/its-official-new-york-rangers-trade-captain-jacob-trouba-to-anaheim-ducks] for Urho Vaakanainen and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025. The Ducks received minor-leaguer Biakabutuka in this deal. The undrafted defenseman played 266 games in the QMJHL with three different teams and he's featured in a total of five AHL games, including one with the Springfield Thunderbirds this season. Biakabutuka has never made an NHL appearance. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
