If you are an Anaheim Ducks fan you may have found yourself scratching your head once or twice when looking at defenseman Cam Fowler's numbers. Since we may have an NHL lockout soon, why not talk about something else for a bit.
At just 20-year-old, Fowler is a promising offensive defenseman for the Ducks. He logs big-time minutes for a player that can barely grow facial hair. There is no denying his raw talent and there is no denying that he will be a mainstay on the Ducks defense for years to come.
Yet, there is something that about him that sticks out like a sixth finger or toe.
No, it is not that he is a defenseman that averages just under 35 points in his first two seasons and he can't even legally buy alcohol yet. You see, it's the exact opposite. Fowler has a horrendous plus/minus rating. Most hockey fans believe the plus-minus rating to be an overrated stat. Not I and especially not for a defenseman.
Is this really something I should be so concerned with?
In his first two seasons in the NHL he has a combined plus/minus of -53. He finished a -25 his rookie season and an ever more eye-popping -28 as a sophomore. So what gives? Logically speaking, a defenseman's numbers should get better with each season, not worse. Especially one as talented as Fowler. Right?
In 2009-10, Fowler was a +38 while playing for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. But, why such a drop 0ff in the NHL. That is the mystery, or is it?
Fowler has the speed and skill of an elite NHL defender. His biggest weakness is his ability to make decisions under pressure and this can be corrected with time. Fowler is still very young. He is considered to be an intelligent hockey player that works well under pressure; that has not changed. In fact, this will easily be one of the strongest aspects of his game once he matures a bit more.
Not every player can deal with adversity well. Fowler has handled himself like a true pro, even when he has struggled. This is a testament to good coaches and to Fowler himself.
Bruce Boudreau said himself there are not many defenders Fowler's age that play top minutes against the oppositions top forwards. With that said, Fowler will be fine. Boudreau has tremendous confidence in his young defender and it will pay off for the Ducks in the long run. Essentially, the reward out ways the risk.
What do you think? Should Fowler have spent a couple of seasons in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL? Did the Ducks rush him to the NHL too soon? Would it have made any difference?
Follow me on Twitter! @StevePalumboNHL
Email me at [email protected] 
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»