Rangers Reportedly Declined Cam Fowler In Jacob Trouba Trade Proposal

The New York Rangers could have acquired defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks but ultimately declined.

On Friday, the Rangers traded Jacob Trouba to Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

This trade almost looked entirely different though.

The Ducks reportedly wanted to give up Fowler in this deal for Trouba and Fowler was open to the idea of coming to New York.

However, Rangers general manager Chris Drury was not interested in Fowler since he was looking for more cap flexibility according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

“I heard that Anaheim wanted Fowler in this deal. I have no doubt Fowler wanted to be in this deal,” Friedman said. "It’s been out there: he wants to be traded, he wants to play for a contender. I never heard Vatrano’s name in it, but I did hear Fowler’s. At the end of the day, they couldn’t get it done. I think one of the reasons is New York wanted the flexibility for both this year and next.”

Fowler carries a $6.5 million cap hit with his contract set to expire following the 2025-26 season, so financially, acquiring the veteran defenseman didn’t make sense.

The 33-year-old has recorded three assists and three points in 14 games while averaging 21:02 minutes.

In the end, Drury was able to dump Trouba’s $8 million cap hit without receiving much money in return, which led to Igor Shesterkin’s eight-year, $92 million contract extension.

It also gives the Rangers more flexibility to make moves later on in the year to bolster the roster.