Report: Ducks wanted to trade Cam Fowler to the Rangers in Trouba deal

According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the Anaheim Ducks were open to moving defenseman Cam Fowler in exchange for Jacob Trouba, however, the Rangers preferred the salary cap flexibility, as apposed to taking on Fowler's remaining contract.

Friedman touched on Fowler on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast: 

"I heard that Anaheim wanted Fowler in this deal, and I have no doubt that Fowler wanted to be in this deal. At the end of the day, they couldn't get it done."

Fowler, 33, has appeared in 14 games this season, has yet to score a goal, and has added three assists. His best season came back in 2022-23, when Fowler recorded 48 points in 82 games.

Fowler has this season and next left on his deal, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit. He also holds modified no-trade protection, submitting a list of four teams he's willing to be moved to.

Once the Ducks figured out Fowler wasn't going to be a part of the deal, they agreed to moving a 2025 fourth-round pick and depth defenseman Urho Vaakanainen. Vaakanainen is a former 2017 first-round pick of the Boston Bruins and so far this season, has recorded one assist in five games with the Ducks.

Photo credit:  Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images