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Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler became a subject of interest in the NHL’s pre-season rumor mill following reports he’d spoken with management about his future, including the possibility of a trade.
The 32-year-old Fowler remains with the Ducks as this season begins, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested he’ll draw interest in the trade market.
Friedman believes the St. Louis Blues “took a long look” at Fowler before the start of this season. That’s probably because Torey Krug underwent season-ending ankle surgery last month and is on LTIR. Like Krug, Fowler is a left-shot rearguard carrying an average annual value of $6.5 million.
Playoff contenders seeking a defenseman with more than one season on his contract could find Fowler enticing. He’s signed through 2025-26, meaning an interested club could have him for two post-season runs.
Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Will Another Top Goalie Get A Swayman-Level Raise? Will Ducks Move Fowler?
Friedman also mentioned Fowler’s teammate Trevor Zegras featured in the rumor mill. There was conjecture linking the 23-year-old center to the Montreal Canadiens last season. Friedman claimed that has cooled off, probably because the Canadiens acquired right winger Patrik Laine in August.
Andrew Knoll of The Orange County Register wondered if Zegras still has a future in Anaheim. He pointed out the Ducks have Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish centering their top two forward lines, with Zegras seeing more time on the left or right wing.
Zegras is in the second season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.75 million. Knoll believes the 2024-25 campaign will be critical for his future with the Ducks and his chances of becoming a high-level NHL star.
Related: The Hockey News Big Show: Carter Verhaeghe’s Extension And More Take The Spotlight
Turning to the Florida Panthers, their recent signing of winger Carter Verhaeghe has pundits like Friedman and TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believing management will shift its focus toward Sam Bennett.
LeBrun thinks the Panthers want to re-sign Bennett. The versatile center carries an average annual value of $4.425 million and could seek something comparable to the $7 million annually that Verhaeghe will get on his new contract starting next season.
If the cap rises by $4.5 million next season as projected, the Panthers will have about $20 million in cap space for next season. They’ll have enough to re-sign Bennett, but it could also come at the expense of longtime blueline stalwart Aaron Ekblad, who’s also UFA-eligible next July.
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