The Toronto Maple Leafs focused on strengthening their defense during the offseason, and one trade proposal suggests they could acquire All-Star defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user proposed a trade where the Maple Leafs would receive Fowler (with $2.5 million of his salary retained) and a fourth-round pick from Detroit, while the Ducks would get Calle Jarnkrok, a second-round pick from Florida in 2025, and a third-round pick in 2026. This potential blockbuster trade would see Toronto gaining Fowler and a draft pick in exchange for two draft picks and Jarnkrok, a veteran forward whose role with the team is uncertain.
Fowler, currently in the seventh year of an eight-year, $52 million contract, would enhance the Maple Leafs’ offensive capabilities from the blue line. The former 12th overall draft pick is a one-time NHL All-Star and a key player for the Ducks. In the previous season, he achieved 5 goals and 34 assists, totaling 39 points in 81 games.
In return, Toronto would send Jarnkrok, who is in the third year of a four-year, $8.4 million contract and might fit into a middle-six role with Anaheim. Last season, Jarnkrok played 52 games, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists for 21 points.
Despite ongoing trade rumors as the Ducks enter a rebuild phase, Fowler has expressed his commitment to remaining with the team. “I understand how to block out distractions,” he said in September. “I’m committed to being the best I can for this team. At the end of the day, that’s all just background noise.”
Anaheim’s general manager Pat Verbeek stated that they would consider trading Fowler if it made sense for both him and the club. “If there’s a situation that makes sense, we’ll explore it. If not, he’s here and fully committed to the Anaheim Ducks,” he affirmed.
Fowler was drafted 12th overall by the Ducks in 2010 and has spent his entire career in Anaheim.
On the Maple Leafs’ side, Jarnkrok is still recovering from a lower-body injury sustained during training camp and has yet to play this season. Although he returned to practice on October 2, he experienced a setback and his return timeline remains unclear. Currently on long-term injured reserve, Jarnkrok has played 699 NHL games, with a career total of 136 goals and 165 assists, equating to 301 points.
