NHL Rumor Roundup: Blues Not Done Dealing, Hurricanes Shopping For A Goalie

The St. Louis Blues made a significant move to bolster their defense corps on Saturday, acquiring Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a minor-league defenseman and a 2027 draft pick.

Fowler's experience and puck-moving skills should bolster a blueline already missing Torey Krug to season-ending ankle surgery and Nick Leddy, who's out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes Blues GM Doug Armstrong could have another move up his sleeve. On Saturday, Friedman claimed the Blues are trying to move left winger Brandon Saad, who has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.

The 32-year-old Saad has been struggling to score this season, going 13 games without a goal and becoming a healthy scratch from Saturday's game against the Dallas Stars. He has a no-trade clause, but Friedman said he could consider other options.

Despite his struggles, Saad has considerable playoff experience, winning two Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He could be enticing to a contender seeking a veteran top-six winger.

Related: Five Non-Rental Players Who Could Get Moved

Turning to the Carolina Hurricanes, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday that they're in the market for goaltending insurance behind starter Pyotr Kochetkov with Frederik Andersen sidelined until January.

LeBrun said the Hurricanes had talked with the San Jose Sharks about Mackenzie Blackwood before he was shipped to the Colorado Avalanche last week. He also indicated they were interested in Ducks netminder John Gibson, but the asking price will have to come down.

Friedman observed the Hurricanes have had an on-again, off-again interest in Gibson for years. The 31-year-old netminder is signed through 2026-27 with an annual cap hit of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Other options for the Hurricanes include Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames, Anton Forsberg of the Ottawa Senators and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club. However, LeBrun noted none of those clubs are selling at the moment.

Related: Calgary Flames' Nazem Kadri Resurfaces In The Rumor Mill: Is A Leafs Reunion Feasible?