From World Juniors to Waiver Wire

The real Christmas day has arrived…Boxing Day. That means 2 things: 1. I’m making a big ol pot of chili. 2. Start of the World Junior Hockey Championship, which is celebrating it’s 50^th anniversary this year. Canada is the favourite (-105 as of this writing) followed by the host nation USA (+250), with 2 Nordic countries (Sweden +500 & Finland +1200) rounding out the top 4.  As we all prepare to watch our teams do battle, let’s take a look at some WJC alumni who are likely available in your league on this fine Boxing Day.

JACOB FOWLER 3W 2.4GAA .918SV% 1SO (28% rostered)

Disclaimer: The sample size is small (5 starts). But I imagine if you are considering a rookie goalie on a defensively challenged but offensively exciting Habs team, you probably aren’t worried about sample sizes. You’re worried about finally getting some goaltending results from the guys in your crease. What has kept Fowler’s ownership rate down is uncertainty in the Habs’ goaltending room. Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes started the year in Montreal, but Monty has had a rough ride despite doing so well last season (31W, 2.82GAA, .901SV%). He is currently in the AHL with Laval on a conditioning stint, but has posted some uneven results. You have to think if this Montreal team is serious about contending this year that a Dobes/Fowler duo gives them the best chance. He has a 7.32 goals saved above expected and has been credited with 2 “steals” (games where his goals saved above expected is greater than the margin of victory – stats courtesy of Frozen Tools). Fowler was part of the 2024 US squad that captured gold in Gothenburg, Sweden.

RYAN LEONARD 7G 13A 6PPP 63SOG (18% rostered)

Leonard returned to the Capitals’ lineup just before the holiday break, registering 2 assists in 17:54 of action. Leonard had been heating up just before he ran into the Trouba train on December 5^th. Prior to that, he had 8 points in his previous 6 games (including a 2G/2A outburst in the game just before getting injured). I actually can’t believe his ownership sits this low, given his pedigree and deployment in the Caps system (L2/PP1). He also has 44 hits, so he’s no stranger to the rougher side of the game. A 2-timer at the World Juniors, he notched 6 points in the 23/24 tournament and then an impressive 10 points in last year’s USA victory. Get this guy while you still can.

AXEL SANDIN PELLIKKA 4G 10A 5PPP 42SOG (7% rostered)

The deepest dive of the day, Axel Sandin-Pellikka (ASP) was last year’s defenceman of the tournament. In fact, he was also defenceman of the tournament the year prior (23/24) for the silver medal Swedish squad. He has had an up and down year, which is to be expected of a more offensive defenseman learning both sides of the puck at the highest level. I’m recommending him here for several reasons. First, he’s widely available at only 7% owned. He has notched 8 of his 14 points in the last 11 games so he may be figuring things out offensively in the NHL. ASP has some room for defensive improvement (-14), but he’s a worthy flier for those in need of defense help in deeper or more scoring focused formats. He does also have 37 blocks and 12 hits through 38GP. It may not be this year that ASP hits his offensive stride, but he could be a good piece to round out your back end for the 2^nd half of the season.