Anaheim Ducks Trade Rumors: Cam Fowler Likely to be Dealt

Anaheim Ducks Trade Rumors: Cam Fowler is Likely to be Dealt Following the Sami Vatanen Signing

On Saturday, Anaheim Ducks quieted trade rumors regarding RFA Sami Vatanen by locking him up to a four-year contract. Yesterday’s news also helps to clear up where GM Bob Murray‘s head is at heading into what is expected to be a busy offseason.

It’s now obvious that Cam Fowler is almost guaranteed to be traded. Between Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen showing excellent chemistry towards the end of 2015-16, an emerging Shea Theodore, and too many defenders carrying large cap hits, Fowler is the clear odd-man out.

Let’s do the work to show what makes Fowler ($4 million dollars/yr, 2yrs remaining) so vulnerable:

1st Pairing: LH Hampus Lindholm – RH Sami Vatanen
2nd Pairing: LH Shea Theodore/LH Cam Fowler – RH Kevin Bieksa
3rd Pairing: LH Clayton Stoner/LH Simon Despres – RH Josh Manson

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If you subtract Cam Fowler, the Anaheim Ducks already own a decent top seven. Both Stoner and Despres are capable of sliding into that 2nd pairing if Theodore is struggling and needs to slide down or sit in the press box for a night.

At the same time, Despres carries a $3.7 million dollar cap hit, and Stoner a $3.25 million dollar/year contract. So it’s plausible that Bob Murray looks to move one of those two out as well.

Lets not forget about the numerous prospects who should be vying for roster spots as soon as next Fall. Those names include:

Jacob Larsson (LHD), Brandon Montour (RHD), Andy Welinski (RHD), Marcus Pettersson (LHD), Jaycob Megna (LHD)

Truth be told, Anaheim should be looking to move at least a pair of defenders, if not a third. They might even be able to put together a nice package to acquire an impact top six forward, preferably that longtime missing natural left-winger.

Related Story: NHL Mock Draft 6.5: 7 Rounds of Prospect Analysis

Anaheim Ducks Trade Rumors: Potential Trade Scenarios/Targets (Left-Wingers)

Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers

It would take a nice package on part of Bob Murray, but rumors have suggested the All-Star LWer is available for the right price.

Rick Nash, New York Rangers

It’s a hefty short-term price tag, but lets face it, the Ducks were already going to risk losing Fowler in expansion. Why not be the team in the driver seat with negotiating power before Nash hits free agency, who knows maybe you can re-sign him for cheap?

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Patrik Berglund, St.Louis Blues

Center with versatility to play the left side. Berglund was linked to rumors last summer, but could find himself on the way out this time around with pending RFA Jaden Schwartz seeking a new deal. Patrik has one year remaining at $3.7 million dollars, but he owns a no-trade clause (submits seven teams he cannot be traded to).

Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning

This one should have asterisk next to it. The only way Palat becomes a possible trade target is dependent on Steven Stamkos. Should Stammer re-sign, GM Steve Yzerman will have no choice but to trade one of his young stars.

Next: Anaheim Ducks Free Agency Preview

James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs

An intriguing scenario, both teams have the pieces to help out one another. Toronto might not be interested in Cam Fowler with Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner as their top two LHD, but they could be swayed into Frederik Andersen, and one of those Despres/Stoner contracts.

Marcus Johansson, Washington Capitals

A pending RFA, Washington has the option to move Johansson with Burakovsky/Vrana looking ready to fill the 2/3LW slots. If the Caps think the pair can step up, Johansson becomes a premium trade asset to address that hole on the blueline that left Washington short in their playoff run.