The Edmonton Oilers are scouring the trade market this season for a defenceman, but one of their primary targets is producing some worrying results this season.
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer has linked Edmonton to trading for Anaheim Ducks defender Cam Fowler, a veteran left shot blueline with two years left on his contract.
Unfortunately, Fowler isn't looking like much of a desirable trade target at all right now. According to JFresh, Cam Fowler has the worst expected goal differential in the NHL this year at even strength, and it's not even close.
This essentially means that when Fowler is on the ice, the Ducks are not producing much offensive chances, while they get absolutely bombarded with shots against.
The Ducks are a brutal team and there may be an improvement in a new environment, but it's very concerning numbers to see.
Oilers Top Trade Target Cam Fowler Ranks Worst in NHL on Critical Statistic
Now 33 years old, Fowler was drafted by the Ducks in 2010 and has played his entire 991 game career in Anaheim. Currently, he's under contract for the next two seasons at $6.5M.
NHL Insider Frank Seravalli recently hinted that Fowler could be dealt after he passes the 1000 game mark with Anaheim.
Fowler is a smooth skating puck moving defenceman, but he's been repeatedly caught out of position and making turnovers at an incredible rate.
Some Ducks fans are thrilled at the idea of getting Fowler off the team, which is far from a ringing endorsement for the Oilers.
Fowler just came back from missing time with injury, and in 5 games since his return, the Ducks haven't won a game and Fowler is a horrendous -8.
The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to a litany of defenders in trade this season, and while Fowler may have some appeal as a veteran player with some team control, it looks like his best hockey is far behind him.
With these poor signs of Fowler's play and the Oilers need to hit a home run on a defence trade to bolster their roster for this year's playoffs, Edmonton should look for another option than Fowler this year.
