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It’s tough when a NHL newcomer is compared to a seasoned athlete, especially when that seasoned athlete is Scott Neidermayer. Cam Fowler is the prime example of a talented and progressing defenseman about to play his fourth season with the Anaheim Ducks under constant criticism, when all he really needs is some fine-tuning. Bob Murray saw exceptional potential in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, so it’s tough to let statistics do all the talking.
First and foremost, he came in with a bang. Fowler’s first season with the Ducks was a spectacular one, showing full promise of the coming years. With 10 goals and 30 assists, Folwer proved he had technique and control of the puck. Then came the 2011-2012 season, which anyone who compares a player to his stats will believe Fowler regressed with only five goals and 24 assists. Keep in mind this is one of the seasons Ducks’ fans would like to forget. The focus for Fowler in the 2011-2012 season was to make a stronger defenseman.
In the 2012-2013 season, Fowler received an upper body injury from Los Angeles Kings‘ Jarret Stoll, causing him to only play 37 games leading to below-par stats. Fowler, however, is anything but below par.
Observe the game and see his passes, skating and handling of the puck are excellent and controlled. The focus was his improvement on defense, where offense would follow with time. Fowler was thrown into comparison with Neidermayer and is under constant scrutiny when fans are disappointed. Although only 21 years old, he is constantly improving his game under the Ducks and his role in the team. Consistency and management of both defense and offense will eventually develop.
