Carolina Hurricanes

NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for December 14

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for Dec 14, Fowler traded, Devils strong, Hurricanes favorites, Cowan makes World Juniors.

by
Old Prof
December 14, 2024

We’re excited to introduce this new daily feature to NHL Trade Talk. Each day we will bring you three key NHL stories in brief each morning. Stay up to date on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. Here’s today’s NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for December 14.

Ironically, as we were writing this, the biggest story of the day fell into our laps as Cam Fowler was traded by the Anaheim Ducks to the St. Louis Blues. Today’s post includes an added story.

Blues Trade for Cam Fowler

The St. Louis Blues keep making moves, this time trading for defenseman Cam Fowler. The full trade details include Fowler and a 2027 4th Rd Pick to the Blues, and returning to the Ducks is a 2027 2nd Rd Pick and defenseman Jeremie Biakabatuka. With the Ducks retaining around $2.5 million, that brings Fowler’s cap number down to $4 million.

The Edmonton Oilers must feel like their being trolled by the Blues. Fowler was a leading candidate on Edmonton’s radar, and the Blues keep getting the players the Oilers either had or liked.

New Jersey Devils: Strong Statistically Amid Goaltending Stability

The New Jersey Devils missed the playoffs last season despite ranking seventh in shot attempts percentage (SAT) at 5-on-5 (51.9 percent). This was largely due to injuries and inconsistent goaltending. Key players like Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes missed significant time. Five different goalies combined for a dismal .886 save percentage, tied for third-worst in the NHL.

This season, Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen provide stability. As a result, New Jersey ranks eighth in team save percentage (.899), helping their playoff push. Their SAT percentage remains strong at 51.6 percent (ninth in the NHL), reflecting a consistent offensive presence.

New Jersey’s ability to dominate advanced stats categories has translated into success. They’ve lost consecutive games in regulation only once this season. Currently, the Devils sit second in the Eastern Conference with 41 points (19-11-2). The Devils lead the NHL in high-danger shots on goal (282) and are just one goal shy of the League lead in high-danger goals (51). Their power play has surged to an NHL-best 30.9 percent, surpassing the Winnipeg Jets (30.1 percent). With a strong offensive attack and improved goaltending, the Devils have emerged as a contender in the playoff race.

Carolina Hurricanes: Favored to Win NHL’s Presidents Trophy

According to current betting odds from bet365, the Carolina Hurricanes are favored to win the NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy. They are listed at +500. They are followed closely by the Edmonton Oilers (+700), Winnipeg Jets (+750), and Vegas Golden Knights (+750). These odds suggest sportsbooks expect these teams to contend for the best NHL regular-season record. The odds are based on the teams’ strong performances and rosters built for success.

Alex Ovechkin is leading his Capitals to success this season.

One surprise is the Washington Capitals. The Caps are listed at +1000 despite leading the NHL in point percentage (.750) and goal differential. They’ve also excelled in key metrics like expected goal share and have already endured one of the league’s toughest schedules. With a more favorable stretch of games ahead, Washington could be a value pick for bettors looking for a higher potential payout.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Easton Cowan Named to Canada’s World Juniors Team, Set to Lead on Big Stage

Easton Cowan, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top prospect, has officially earned a spot on Team Canada’s roster for the 2024 World Juniors. He put up a stellar 2023-24 OHL season with the London Knights. There he was named both the OHL MVP and Playoff MVP, Cowan’s inclusion was widely anticipated. The 19-year-old forward has scored 15 goals and 28 points in just 20 games this season. He continues to show why he was Toronto’s first-round pick in 2023. As one of the returning players from last year’s World Juniors, where Canada finished a disappointing fifth, Cowan is expected to take a leadership role, potentially excelling as both a key penalty killer and an offensive threat.

Despite missing the selection camp due to an injury sustained on December 6 against the Oshawa Generals, Cowan’s resume and impact made him impossible to overlook. Notably, before his injury, he broke an unofficial OHL record by registering a point in 56 consecutive games. This accomplishment spanned two seasons but remains unrecognized by the league. Cowan has since returned to skating, working on puck drills, and appears ready to make an impact on the international stage. For Maple Leafs fans, Cowan’s growth and success bode well for the franchise, as he continues to build momentum as one of the team’s brightest young talents.