It's time to have a conversation about Cam Fowler

When the St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks in December of 2024, he made an immediate impact on the team and helped push the Blues back into the playoffs. His 36 points in 51 games led many to believe his poor play in years prior was circumstantial, due to the environment he played in with the Ducks before being dealt. The Blues rewarded Fowler's high-end season with a three-year extension at an average annual value (AAV) of $ 6.1 million. However, just one season into the new contract, Fowler's play has taken another hit, and many are calling for him to be removed from the everyday lineup to make room for a younger Blues defenseman.

Too many mistakes

This season, the Blues have asked Fowler to do something he is not typically asked to do: play third-pairing defenseman. With the Blues' defensive depth, including players who play similarly to Fowler offensively, Fowler is paired with defensive stalwart Brandon Carlo. Head coach Jim Montgomery views the veteran pairing of Fowler and Carlo as the steadying force on the back end. They're tasked with playing smart, mistake-free hockey and bringing consistency to a defense group that includes several young players, including rookie Adam Jiricek, waiver claim Justin Barron, and former first-round pick Theo Lindstein, who was recently sent down.

Unfortunately, Fowler's play this season has been anything but steady and consistent. He has the worst +/- among the team's defensemen at -4, with only four points in 10 games, three in a single game against the Minnesota Wild, and his advanced analytics back up the poor play. Of the 75 defensive pairings that have played 75 minutes or more together, Fowler and Carlo have the 12th-highest xGoals Against ranking. Stats and analytics aren't everything when evaluating a player and their value, but the eye test isn't doing Fowler any favors either. He has lost a step in his skating, which has caused defensive issues, and throughout the season, he has had many instances of poor puck handling and decision-making that have led to turnovers.

Replacement incoming?

With the Blues reportedly pursuing trade talks for Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (the latter unlikely now, given his recent contract extension), the Blues are looking to bolster their defense core. Even if a trade doesn't come to fruition, the Blues will get reinforcements when Logan Mailloux returns from his upper-body injury. With Barron emerging and Jiricek continuing to improve, the Blues will face a tough decision when Mailloux returns to the ice. With Fowler's continued struggles and Mailloux's youth and higher upside, Fowler could take a seat in the press box or be traded to make room for continued youth movement on the blue line.

There is a world where Fowler improves and becomes at least partially the player he was when the Blues acquired him; the season is still young, and injuries tend to work themselves out in terms of roster construction. However, if his poor play continues and the Blues keep faith in Mailloux or dabble in trade talks, Fowler is a name the Blues could explore parting ways with. Will a team want him for two more seasons at his current cap hit? That remains to be seen, but if the Blues want to stay competitive, Fowler's current level of play won't help them get there.