St. Louis gets veteran defenseman in trade with Anaheim

The St. Louis Blues acquired veteran defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

The Blues also secured a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in exchange for a second-round selection in that draft and defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka.

The Ducks will retain 38.5% of Fowler’s remaining contract. His pact carries an average annual value of $6.5 million that expires following the 2025-26 season.

Fowler, 33, is the longest-tenured active member of the Ducks after being selected by the team with the 12th overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft. He has spent parts of the past five seasons as an assistant captain.

‘This was a difficult trade to make considering what Cam has meant to this organization,’ Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. ‘He has been a valuable and respected member of our team for 15 seasons, representing the Ducks with ultimate class.

‘His character and contributions on and off the ice have and will continue to leave a positive impact on our fans and community. After meeting with Cam several times over the last few months, it became clear to both of us it may be time for a change. As usual, Cam handled the process with professionalism and remained committed to the Ducks. Cam and his family deserve nothing but the best going forward, and we wish them the best of luck.’

Fowler has four assists in 17 games this season and 457 points (96 goals, 361 assists) in 991 career games with Anaheim.

Biakabutuka, 22, signed a three-year entry-level contract with St. Louis in July 2023. He has played in five career games with Springfield and Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.

Also on Saturday, St. Louis assigned defenseman Matthew Kessel to Springfield.

Kessel, 24, has three assists in 26 games this season for the Blues.

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