NHL Trade Rumors: Cam Fowler to the Detroit Red Wings?

Dec 21, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) carries the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) carries the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly discussing a trade for Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler. 

The Detroit Red Wings have a playoff streak that they are bent on keeping alive. Even after losing Pavel Datsyuk for next season, the Red Wings persuaded the Arizona Coyotes to take on his contract and free up cap space for the 2016 offseason. They are expected to use it to improve their team and one way that they could do that is by trading for Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler.

Fowler would help the Red Wings upgrade their blue line by giving them a legitimate puck mover. He could find himself as a surplus piece in Anaheim due to cap issues. The Ducks are a budget team who just gave defenseman Sami Vatanen a huge raise. Defenseman Hampus Lindholm and center Rickard Rakell appear to be next in line for significant raises this offseason. That could leave Fowler as an asset to be traded.

The Red Wings blue line was lacking last offseason and their lack of depth showed. Fowler isn’t a star by any means, but he is a reliable defenseman who can produce on offense and give you over 20 minutes a night — he has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time in each of his six NHL seasons.

During the 2015-16 season, Fowler had five goals and 23 assists for 28 points in 69 games. He added 43 hits and 112 blocked shots. Fowler is a strong left-handed option, something that the Red Wings are desperately lacking on their blue line. However, it remains to be seen if the Red Wings have what it takes to trade for him.

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