Ducks Sign Fowler to Eight-Year Contract Extension

The Ducks have signed defenseman Cam Fowler to an eight-year contract extension through the 2025-26 NHL season. Per club policy, no financial terms of the deal were disclosed.

"Cam Fowler is the type of player we want here long term," said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. "He has the obvious skill set, but also tremendous character and a drive to succeed. As good as he is, he's not yet in his prime years, so we know the best is yet to come."
Fowler, 25 (12/5/91), is the highest scoring defenseman from his 2010 NHL Draft class with 45-172=217 points in 494 career NHL games. Fowler, who entered the NHL straight from the 2010 draft, ranks ninth among Anaheim franchise leaders in points and appearances, and seventh in assists. Among franchise defensemen, Fowler is second in scoring and assists, third in games and tied for third in goals.
Selected in the first round (12th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Fowler set a career high in goals and fell one point shy of matching his personal best in scoring with 11-28=39 points last season. The 6-1, 210-pound blueliner finished 2016-17 ranked tied for ninth among NHL defensemen in power-play goals (5) and tied for eighth in game-winning goals (3). He also led Anaheim blueliners in goals, assists and points, as well as average time on ice (24:50), which marked a single-season career high.
Fowler has made six career trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in his seven NHL seasons, recording 6-27=33 points in 62 games. Since the start of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Fowler ranks ninth among NHL defensemen in playoff assists and tied for fifth in power-play points (17). He also ranks third among franchise defensemen in postseason scoring, second in assists and games played.
Fowler has represented Team USA in several international competitions, including the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. He won gold at the 2010 World Junior Championship and 2009 U-18 World Championship, and has represented the U.S. at both the 2012 and 2011 World Championships.
Fowler spoke with members of the media on a conference call shortly after the Ducks announced the contract extension. Below are his quotes.
What factors led you to signing an eight-year extension with Anaheim?
It's really a combination of a lot of things. From top to bottom, Anaheim has always treated me right and has given me an opportunity right from the start. With the coaching staff we have in place, our ownership and the roster we have, I really feel like we're very close, and I think we've proven that. To be able to sign there long term was a dream come true for me. I'm very happy we were able to do that.
It seemed like this was something that was going to happen eventually. Did you feel like it was going to get done all along?
It definitely takes both sides to be committed for something to happen. First off, very thankful that management and ownership believed in me and wanted me to be around for nine more years. It was really never a doubt for me. California has its perks for things away from the rink, but I love the team. I love the locker room we have, and we're adding a couple new pieces now. In terms of the core, we're still going to be pretty much the same team. The biggest thing that went into it was the foundation we have in place right now and being able to continue coming to the rink with these guys every day. There are obviously little details that need to be worked out, but all in all, it was very smooth.
It wasn't long ago when your name was mentioned in trade rumors. Can you shed light about going from that to now being a fixture with this franchise?
Last year, or a year and a half, it's been quite the ride for me and the people around me. Dealing with that stuff isn't always the easiest, but I've talked about it before. With the way we're set up as a franchise, people know we have a lot of talent on the backend. There are going to be things that come up from time to time because of the amount of quality players we have, specifically on defense. Once I realized that, and I knew if other teams are calling about you, it's not all bad. I definitely wanted to go out and prove this season that I could be the player that Anaheim drafted and stuck with, and that I could play to the potential not only they thought I could, but personally I could, too. That was big for me. I tried to play more loose with more confidence. Things worked out in my favor, but now I couldn't be happier to be in the position I'm in now.
When did you feel like things started to change for you, in terms of confidence?
It was probably 10 or 15 games into the season when I saw a couple of pucks go in. I started to see some of the rewards of what I did in the summer. Sometimes that's all it takes as a player, to see a puck go in and start bouncing your way. You start to get confident. Confidence goes a huge way in this game. A lot of people don't realize how easy it can slip, even for professional players. I was able to find a demeanor that helped me play my best.
You've talked a lot about growing into a leadership role. How does this extension help you continue taking those steps to be a leader?
At the end of the day, it doesn't change how I'm going to approach anything. I'm thrilled to be here long term and more thrilled that they see me as that player they can win with and continue to grow with for the next nine years. It started with Bruce [Boudreau]. He put some emphasis on me to take more ownership, especially on the backend. They've given me the opportunity to grow into that role. Sometimes that's all you need as a player - people believing in you and putting you in positions where you can succeed. They've done a great job at that. That's helped me out a lot along the way.
What are your thoughts on the recent signings by the Ducks?
The most recent moves are extremely exciting. Everyone saw the impact Patty [Eaves] had on our team when he came to us. He was an instant fan favorite, so the people in Anaheim love him. He was able to fit in with Getzy [Ryan Getzlaf] really well. He really played great for us. I thought that was huge to get him back. And with Ryan [Miller] coming along, an extra veteran presence. He could really help out Gibby [John Gibson] and contribute any way he can to the team. He has tons of experience. He's been one of the best goaltenders in the league for a long time. Those are great. We're really excited about that.