September 6, 2024 | 11:48pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

DUCKS WILL LOOK TO TRADE FOWLER THIS SEASON

Cam Fowler, defenceman, and John Gibson, goalie

Smack in the middle of their rebuild, the Anaheim Ducks are going to be an interesting team moving forward as they continue to put building blocks together with their eyes set on the future.

With so many good, young players on the roster and in the system, the Ducks are expected to explore trades involving some of the veteran players, such as goalie John Gibson, forward Frank Vatrano and star defenceman Cam Fowler.

Gibson, Fowler and Vatrano have all been the subject of trade speculation, dating back to last year, and in some cases beyond, and while teams are poking around on Vatrano, Fowler may steal the spotlight in the coming weeks.

During his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Ducks and Fowler have spoken about his future with the organization and it appears the goal is to trade the blueliner this season.

Fowler, 32, is in the seventh year of an eight-year contract that comes with a $6.5 million salary cap hit and a four-team trade list – something Fowler is willing to expand.

“I believe that Cam Fowler and the Anaheim Ducks are working on what his future could look like,” Friedman said.

“From what I’ve heard is that Fowler has indicated a willingness to talk to more teams than that and consider more teams than that. I think this will be a story worth watching over the next little while. Fowler has a lot of respect around the league. I think there will be interest.”

With some of the younger bodies coming up and itching for more ice time, Friedman suggests Fowler understands where his position with the club is and that a move is likely best for all parties.

In 81 games with the Ducks last season, Fowler registered five goals and 34 assists for 39 points in 81 games.

“I believe the Ducks are willing to talk about it, I believe the player is willing to talk about it,” Friedman added. “I don’t think anyone will be surprised if sometime this season Cam Fowler is elsewhere and from what I’ve been told, it is a positive working environment with him and the Ducks about getting this done and finding him a new place to play.”

Friedman also acknowledged Gibson being in a similar position to that of Fowler, and that his camp and the Ducks are also exploring their trade options.

TFP’s David Pagnotta reported last off-season and again during the 2023-24 campaign in advance of the trade deadline that Gibson has been available and is open to a change of scenery. Clearly, to date, a move has not yet been consummated.

Gibson, 31, has two more years left on his contract after this season and comes with a $6.4 million cap hit. He also owns a 10-team no-trade list.