Some hockey players try to avoid drawing comparisons to the all-time greats. It is safe to say Fowler is not one of them.

The Windsor, Ontario-born, Michigan-raised Fowler, in tribute to his father's favorite player, chose to wear No. 4, the same as Bobby Orr. Fowler is not Orr -- nobody is -- but as a playmaking defenseman with tremendous mobility, he had to know the choice would draw attention.

Of course Fowler, the Anaheim Ducks' first-round pick (No. 12) in the 2010 NHL Draft, has often done the same thing with his play. A few months after being drafted, Fowler became the second-youngest player in Ducks history when he made his NHL debut at 18 years and 307 days old on Oct. 8, 2010. Playing close to home against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, Fowler blocked five shots in that game. One night later against the Nashville Predators, Fowler had an assist for his first NHL point.

On Oct. 17, 2010, Fowler's first NHL goal opened the scoring in a 3-2 win against the then-Phoenix Coyotes. During that game a hit from Shane Doan broke Fowler's nose, keeping him out for six games.

Fowler returned in early November and scored a power-play goal in three straight games, making him both the second rookie defenseman and the youngest defenseman in League history to do so. Fowler also became the second rookie defenseman in League history to score two overtime goals in one season.

Fowler finished 2010-11 as the only defenseman in his draft class to play that whole season in the NHL. He was second among rookie defensemen in goals (10) and points (40) in 76 games. Fowler was third among rookies in average time on ice (22:07) and set franchise records for goals and points by a rookie defenseman as well as an Anaheim mark for rookie assists.

In the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Fowler played in all six games of Anaheim's first-round series against Nashville and he led Ducks defensemen with four points in the postseason. On Nov. 13, 2011, at 19 years and 343 days, Fowler scored two goals against the Minnesota Wild to become the youngest Ducks player ever with a two-goal game.

Fowler spent two seasons with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. He helped the United States win gold at the 2010 World Junior Championship and the 2009 Under-18 World Championship. He also played for the U.S. at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Fowler was also the highest scoring defenseman in the 2010 Memorial Cup and helped Windsor follow up its Ontario Hockey League championship by winning the tournament.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• Played in NHL All-Star Game (2017)
• Signed as a free agent by Sodertalje (Sweden-2), November 14, 2012.