If he falls to 10 I think that is basically Fowler falling again. That would be insane. I think he has a better chance of going 3 then 10.
Prospect Info: 2025 NHL Entry Draft
- Thread starter WhatTheDuck
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Big Fat Rebound
Dongle Digits.
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Anaheim4ever
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Its still unknown what they meant by Character Issues as to why Fowler dropped. That is all I recall on why he dropped.
Emerald Duck
Registered User
Long answer but I found it interesting.
According to Grok from X:
Reasons Cam Fowler Dropped to 12th in the 2010 NHL Draft
- Narrative Around Physicality and Defensive Play:
- A significant factor in Fowler’s draft slide was a narrative that emerged during his junior playoffs with the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). As a top player, he was targeted heavily by opponents, who employed physical strategies to neutralize him. This led to questions about whether he could handle the physical rigors of the NHL. One scout noted in The Hockey News that while Fowler was an elite skater, his lack of physicality and struggles away from the puck raised concerns among some teams.
- Fowler was seen as an “angle-and-contain” defender rather than an overly physical one, relying on his skating to escape trouble rather than engaging physically. This contrasted with other top defensive prospects like Erik Gudbranson, who was viewed as a more physical, defensive-minded defenseman and was selected 3rd overall.
- A significant factor in Fowler’s draft slide was a narrative that emerged during his junior playoffs with the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). As a top player, he was targeted heavily by opponents, who employed physical strategies to neutralize him. This led to questions about whether he could handle the physical rigors of the NHL. One scout noted in The Hockey News that while Fowler was an elite skater, his lack of physicality and struggles away from the puck raised concerns among some teams.
- Team Needs and Draft Strategies:
- Several teams ahead of Anaheim prioritized other positions or players based on their specific needs. For example, the New York Rangers’ selection of defenseman Dylan McIlrath at 10th overall was a surprise, as they were not expected to draft a defenseman. This pick, in particular, was noted as a factor that allowed Fowler to fall further.
- Teams like the Edmonton Oilers (1st overall, Taylor Hall), Boston Bruins (2nd overall, Tyler Seguin), and Florida Panthers (3rd overall, Erik Gudbranson) opted for forwards or a different style of defenseman, aligning with their roster-building strategies. Similarly, picks like Mikael Granlund (center, 9th overall by Minnesota) and Jack Campbell (goaltender, 11th overall by Dallas) reflected teams addressing other positional needs.
- Several teams ahead of Anaheim prioritized other positions or players based on their specific needs. For example, the New York Rangers’ selection of defenseman Dylan McIlrath at 10th overall was a surprise, as they were not expected to draft a defenseman. This pick, in particular, was noted as a factor that allowed Fowler to fall further.
- Perceived Drop-Off in Defensive Talent:
- The 2010 draft was considered to have a steep drop-off in defensive talent after the top three defensemen: Fowler, Brandon Gormley, and Erik Gudbranson. While Fowler was ranked highly (5th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting), some teams may have prioritized forwards like Hall and Seguin, who were consensus top picks, or other players who fit their immediate needs. This dynamic pushed Fowler down the board as teams opted for non-defensemen in the top 10.
- The 2010 draft was considered to have a steep drop-off in defensive talent after the top three defensemen: Fowler, Brandon Gormley, and Erik Gudbranson. While Fowler was ranked highly (5th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting), some teams may have prioritized forwards like Hall and Seguin, who were consensus top picks, or other players who fit their immediate needs. This dynamic pushed Fowler down the board as teams opted for non-defensemen in the top 10.
- Playoff Performance Scrutiny:
- Despite Fowler’s strong offensive output (55 points in 55 OHL games and 14 playoff points) and his role in Windsor’s Memorial Cup victory, his playoff performance was scrutinized. Opposing teams’ game plans focused on hitting him repeatedly, which created a perception that he might struggle under physical pressure. This narrative, as noted by analyst Craig Button, unfairly impacted his draft stock, even though he was a key cog in Windsor’s success.
- Despite Fowler’s strong offensive output (55 points in 55 OHL games and 14 playoff points) and his role in Windsor’s Memorial Cup victory, his playoff performance was scrutinized. Opposing teams’ game plans focused on hitting him repeatedly, which created a perception that he might struggle under physical pressure. This narrative, as noted by analyst Craig Button, unfairly impacted his draft stock, even though he was a key cog in Windsor’s success.
- Comparison to Other Prospects:
- Fowler was part of a highly touted “Big Three” alongside Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, who were locks for the top two picks. However, other defensemen like Gudbranson, who offered a more traditional, physical defensive style, were prioritized by teams like Florida. Additionally, Fowler’s offensive-oriented game drew comparisons to players like Mike Green, with concerns about his defensive reliability in the NHL. This may have caused hesitation among teams looking for a more balanced or shutdown defenseman.
- Fowler was part of a highly touted “Big Three” alongside Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, who were locks for the top two picks. However, other defensemen like Gudbranson, who offered a more traditional, physical defensive style, were prioritized by teams like Florida. Additionally, Fowler’s offensive-oriented game drew comparisons to players like Mike Green, with concerns about his defensive reliability in the NHL. This may have caused hesitation among teams looking for a more balanced or shutdown defenseman.
- Draft Night Dynamics:
- Drafts are inherently unpredictable, and Fowler’s slide was partly due to the real-time decisions of teams. As picks were made, Fowler’s camp began to sense he might fall further than expected. By the time Anaheim’s 12th pick arrived, the Ducks were thrilled he was still available, with GM Bob Murray reportedly “pinching himself” at the opportunity. The Ducks’ excitement underscores how unexpected Fowler’s drop was to those who valued his skating.
Cam Fowler’s drop to the 12th pick in the 2010 NHL Draft stemmed from a combination of concerns about his physicality and defensive game, amplified by playoff scrutiny, as well as team-specific draft strategies that prioritized other positions or player types. The narrative that he might struggle with the NHL’s physical demands, coupled with unexpected picks like Dylan McIlrath, allowed him to fall to Anaheim, where he became a cornerstone defenseman. His slide was seen as a “gift from the gods” for the Ducks, as noted by analyst Craig Button, highlighting how draft perceptions can misalign with a player’s ultimate value.
Anaheim4ever
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Imagine if Drysdale was 6'1, he might be holding up against physical play much better.
When Buium dropped it was his skating, that is now higher prioritized than in 2010.
I like how Fowler finally got to play with Gudbranson that one year and they looked great.
This article makes me concerned about Zellweger. The Dmen that did well away from the Ducks were all at least 6'0 including 6'2 Theodore while the two that regressed after leaving the Ducks were below 6'0 in Vatanen and Drysdale.
robbieboy3686
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- Jan 17, 2016
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Have to give to get, if we trade zell, it will be part of a deal where we like what we got back + just love minty and Solberg more for our long term plans. I am definitely in the camp where I prioritize minty and Solberg both, over the midget man zell. Nice kid, great compete. Unfortunately he’s done growing
- Jul 25, 2012
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if des falls to 10, I’ll tell my wife I don’t need a Christmas present this year because I alreadu got it
Hockey Duckie
Registered User
The Athletic's Pronman, Wheeler, and Bultman along with FloHockey's Chris Peters did a 4-panel tier ranking on the top-12 prospects. Each panelist had one veto power vote for the exercise. Wheeler used his veto to exclude McQueen from Tier 3.
Hello,
just wanted to say "thank you", to all of you who provide informations and interesting discussions.
Somehow these draft days I always get a similar feeling like a kid when you dream of something big, now as adult kids we can dream of some great player who falls into our lap in the draft. So something like drafting Nick Lidstrom at 53rd is realistic
.
Cheers...
just wanted to say "thank you", to all of you who provide informations and interesting discussions.
Somehow these draft days I always get a similar feeling like a kid when you dream of something big, now as adult kids we can dream of some great player who falls into our lap in the draft. So something like drafting Nick Lidstrom at 53rd is realistic
. Cheers...
First to predict the Ducks shock the hockey world and pick Mason West 10th overall
thehockeywriters.com
This guy covers the USHL so actually watched the limited games he played
Mason West - 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
One of the more intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft, two-sport athlete Mason West brings plenty of size and skill to the ice as he looks to hear his name called in June.
thehockeywriters.com
This guy covers the USHL so actually watched the limited games he played
Anaheim4ever
Registered User
- Jun 15, 2017
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We already have the maximum amount of Mason's allowed, don't want the league to think their FreeMasons
- Jul 25, 2012
- 39,648
- 43,828
First to predict the Ducks shock the hockey world and pick Mason West 10th overall
Mason West - 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More
One of the more intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft, two-sport athlete Mason West brings plenty of size and skill to the ice as he looks to hear his name called in June.
This guy covers the USHL so actually watched the limited games he played
You go off the board a few timaes and now everyone thinks your going to do it every draft.
Hockey Duckie
Registered User
Here's a little over 28 minutes of 6'4 C Jack Nesbitt's scoring highlight for the Windsor and at the WJC-18. He can score from everywhere, but many of his scoring comes in front of the net. On the PP, he's usually in front of the net. From the video, it looks like he plays often with 61 Belchez and 78 Davis. Too bad there isn't a lot of video looking at his defense or physical play. I know one of the scoring chances came at the end of a PK, where Nesbitt sprung open his teammate in the box for a breakaway goal.
His offensive IQ looks good, his shot looks great, but his knack for finding the puck in front of the net and scoring it quickly is amazing.
His offensive IQ looks good, his shot looks great, but his knack for finding the puck in front of the net and scoring it quickly is amazing.
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Hockey Duckie
Registered User
Belchetz is one to keep an eye on for the 2026 draft, he was the first overall pick to the OHL a year ago. Massive behemoth of a kid (6'5 227 and just turned 17 a few weeks ago) but he can also play.
