In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: some suggested trade destinations for Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler and the latest on Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s recent report indicating the Anaheim Ducks and defenseman Cam Fowler are discussing his future.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images)
The 32-year-old Fowler is believed willing to expand his four-team trade list. He carries an average annual value of $6.5 million through 2025-26.
Present listed the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Florida Panthers as three clubs in “win-now” mode who could benefit from adding Fowler to their defense corps.
Their limited cap space would be an issue for those clubs, meaning there would have to be salary retention by the Ducks or salaried players sent to the Ducks to offset his cap hit. The Oilers also don’t have a shallow prospect pool to draw from for trade bait.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Present noted that Fowler is unlikely to be moved before the start of this season. However, injuries could open up some cap space on one of those clubs at some point. That could make Fowler a tempting target.
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh wondered if Kaapo Kakko would still be on the New York Rangers’ roster by the end of this season. He believes he will be, but acknowledged the trade rumors that dogged the 22-year-old winger during the offseason.
Baugh believes Rangers GM Chris Drury will attempt to add to his roster at this season’s trade deadline. Kakko could be part of a “win-now” deal, but the best-case scenario could be the young winger returning to his 2022-23 production when he tallied 40 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Kakko wasn’t traded this summer because his value was low. If he doesn’t improve this season, bundling him as part of a larger return for a skilled player might be the only way to move him in a trade.