ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Cam Fowler grew from a raw teenager into a mature family man during his 14 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks.

The fans who watched him for all those years made sure Fowler knew he was coming home when he returned Friday night with the St. Louis Blues.

Fowler got nothing but love when he laced up his skates in Anaheim for the first time since the Ducks traded the longest-serving and highest-scoring defenseman in franchise history to the Blues less than three months ago. During a night filled with tributes and hugs, he also recorded two assists in St. Louis' 4-3 victory, bolstering his new club's playoff hopes with a win over a rival for the West's wild-card spots.

"It was incredible," Fowler said. "I just tried to take a seat on the bench and soak it all in. I'm just grateful. I put my heart and soul into my career here, and the support from the fans and the team along the way means a lot to me, so I'm thankful to everyone in the organization for making it a nice welcome home for me."

During a pregame meeting with dozens of front office workers and Ducks personnel, owners Henry and Susan Samueli presented Fowler with a painting of the defenseman memorializing his lengthy career in Anaheim. Fowler also got to see retired ex-captain Ryan Getzlaf, who attended the game to support his longtime teammate.

"Getzy is a true dear friend of mine, so for him to take the time to come in and support me meant the world to me," Fowler said. "And then I can't say enough good things about Henry and Susan and the whole organization just making me feel welcomed and special in my return."

Fowler was in the Blues' starting lineup, and the Ducks aired a tribute video to Fowler during a stoppage in the first period. He acknowledged the standing ovation with a wave of his arm, and he skated out from the Blues' bench to more cheers.

"A lot of emotion, obviously," Fowler said. "Just wanted to make sure I embraced everything, just took it all in as best I could. But I appreciate the support everyone gave me, and we had a big two points for our team, too. So I tried to focus on that as much as I could once the emotion kind of settled down."

Fowler insists he feels no bitterness or disappointment about the way his 14 seasons in Orange County ended last December, although he acknowledged beforehand that it wouldn't be a normal game for him.

Fowler had been a mainstay on the Ducks' blue line since 2010, when the team selected him with the 12th pick in a draft held in Southern California. Fowler immediately won an NHL job as an 18-year-old rookie, and he remained a dependable two-way contributor for the next decade and a half.

Though he made just one All-Star team for Anaheim and never became a leaguewide star, he steadily rose to become the most prolific defenseman in Ducks history. He also played a key role while Anaheim won five consecutive Pacific Division championships from 2013 to 2017 and reached two Western Conference finals.

Fowler is the Ducks' leader among defensemen in goals (96), assists (361) and games played (991).

The breakup happened after Fowler managed just four assists in Anaheim's first 17 games this season. Fowler and Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek say they came to a mutual agreement that a fresh start would be best for Fowler, who still has another season left on the eight-year, $52 million deal he signed with Anaheim in 2017.

The Ducks traded Fowler and a fourth-round pick in 2027 for a second-round pick in 2027 and minor league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka.

Fowler's production has increased for the Blues. He has seven goals and 14 assists in 34 games while playing more than 22 minutes per night.

Fowler rejects the idea he was motivated by the trade.

"I've had people ask me if it reinvigorated my career or my passion for the game," Fowler said. "I've always been passionate about the game, and I've always been energized to play the game, but sometimes you get to a certain point in your career as a player, and just for both sides it might make sense to find a situation that works better."

Fowler's departure opened playing time on the Ducks' blue line, and the most prominent beneficiary of an increased role has been Jackson LaCombe. The former second-round pick is enjoying a breakout season, leading Anaheim's defensemen with 11 goals and 23 assists.

"Cam is a great person," Anaheim coach Greg Cronin said. "He's been a great Duck for a long time. I was happy for him. Happy for his family. Obviously, it was a huge game for both teams, but it's always good to see Cam."