Derek Lee and Patrick Present discuss the Ducks' blueline core after acquiring Jacob Trouba The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues along with a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and defensive prospect Jeremie Biakabutuka. The Ducks will retain 38.5% ($2.5025 million) of Fowler's contract which is set to expire following the 2025-26 season. Fowler's contract carries a 27-team no trade clause. “This was a difficult trade to make considering what Cam has meant to this organization,” said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek. “He has been a valuable and respected member of our team for 15 seasons, representing the Ducks with ultimate class. His character and contributions on and off the ice have and will continue to leave a positive impact on our fans and community. After meeting with Cam several times over the last few months, it became clear to both of us it may be time for a change. As usual, Cam handled the process with professionalism and remained committed to the Ducks. Cam and his family deserve nothing but the best going forward, and we wish them the best of luck.” Fowler had played 991 career games (second in franchise history) over the course of 15 years for the Anaheim Ducks and totaled 96 goals (12th in franchise history and first among defensemen) and 361 assists (fifth in franchise history and first among defensemen). This season, he had four assists in 17 games and had missed 11 games with an upper-body injury. Biakabutkua (22) is an undrafted defenseman from the QMJHL who has spent most of his professional playing career in the ECHL. This season, he has four points in 13 games for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL and was held off the scoresheet in his lone AHL game for the Springfield Thunderbirds. This move comes just eight days after the Ducks acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba from the New York Rangers, further piling up their logjam of NHL-caliber defenseman on the roster. Over the past three games, the Ducks were forced to scratch two of their eight defenseman, resulting in two of their promising young bluliners to go without valuable ice time. This trade will alleviate that slightly as they will presumably move forward with seven defensemen on their roster. Report: Hurricanes Have Checked In on Gibson, but Price Needs to Be Lower [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/report-hurricanes-have-checked-in-on-gibson-but-price-needs-to-be-lower] Mason McTavish Must Step up in Trevor Zegras’ Absence [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/mason-mctavish-must-step-up-in-trevor-zegras-absence]
