Free agency is open, and the rumor mill is swirling for where current PHF, PWHPA, NCAA, and European players will sign within the PHF this season. Here's a rundown.
Free agency is open, and the rumor mill is swirling for where current PHF, PWHPA, NCAA, and European players will sign within the PHF this season. Here's a rundown.
We've already seen some moves this offseason in the PHF. From Olympian Kacey Bellamy signing with the Connecticut Whale, to Metropolitan Riveters captain Madison Packer re-signing, but there is much more to come...soon. Here's a look at some of the rumors making their rounds in the PHF.
Montreal Force Loading Up?
After an expansion season that saw several veteran PWHPA members make the jump to the Montreal Force, the team is ready to take things to the next level.
Although the signings have not been announced, the Force are set to add Élizabeth Giguère from the Boston Pride. Giguère is a former Patty Kazmaier winner and four-time finalist for the award. She was a standout for Canada's U-18 team, and played multiple games on the Canada-USA Rivalry Series this season. The PHF Rookie of the Year finalist had 22 points in 18 games this season.
Alongside Giguère, the Force are expected to sign University of Vermont captain Tereza Schafzahl, an All-Hockey East First Team standout.
The team is also rumored to be adding Emily Keenan from the Connecticut Whale.
Where Will Corrine Schroeder Land?
I confirmed this week that Corrine Schroeder will not be returning to the Boston Pride. The PHF Goaltender of the Year was almost unbeatable this year in the regular season. She'll be an instant upgrade to any team she lands with.
While it has not been confirmed, the talk is Schroeder is headed north of the border.
PWHPA To PHF? Who Moves First?
Speaking to multiple current and past Canadian national team members this week, there is significant interest from core members of the program to move to the PHF this season.
That interest could span the summer depending on if players want to receive full payment for the 2022-2023 Dream Gap Tour before moving on, as per their contracts with PWHL Holdings, LLC on behalf of the Professional Women's Hockey League, the proposed PWHPA league. Should players want to collect their owed salary, they'll need to wait until after August 31 to sign elsewhere, whether that be the PHF or Europe.
For many players, however, the offers from the PHF could be enticing. There is currently particular interest from a group of Quebec born and based PWHPA members in joining the Montreal Force. The Minnesota Whitecaps have also been linked to a group of past and present USA national team members.
NCAA Stars Headed To The PHF
There has been significant talk about the Northeastern duo of Chloe Aurard and Alina Muller joining the PHF. The linked destination is the Boston Pride, who have roster spots available with the known outgoing players. Either player would be an instant star in the PHF.
Speaking to Emma Soderberg at the IIHF World Championships, she expressed her interest in exploring all possibilities out there. The NCAA goalie of the year finalist and World Championship top goaltender will have no shortage of options. This week she added to that conversation hinting to Swedish media that she would like to explore North American options.
"I'm not only thinking about Sweden, but I'm also open to staying over here for a few years. We will see in the future how it turns out," Soderberg told hockeysverige.se.
While it remains chatter at the moment, the other name being openly linked to a PHF market is Patty Kazmaier winner Sophie Jaques. It's believed the Toronto Six are openly pursuing the local product.
European Free Agents Coming Home?
Several players in Sweden and Europe have announced the are not returning to their current teams.
One player to watch who would be an upgrade in net for almost any PHF team is Lindsey Post, who is in active conversations to come back to North America. She's a former USports national champion, All-Star, and SDHL goalie of the year. Her six-foot frame will be an imposing site for PHF shooters.
As mentioned last week, Swedish national team member Anna Kjellbin is looking to come to North America, and former UConn NCAA standouts Morgan Wabick and Taylor Wabick aren't returning to the SDHL, which could mean they're looking at North America.
Although they're not technically coming home, the interest toward other Europeans including Alena Mills, Sini Karjalainen, Lore Baudrit, and Sandra Abstreiter from PHF teams also continues to grow.
The major issue in this conversation, is that there are teams worth of elite players from across the globe trying to sign in the PHF, and space are limited. There will undoubtedly be veterans forced out, and talent left without a spot to play until expansion occurs. Or perhaps, we'll see PHF members being forced to join the PWHPA as an alternative to stay active while waiting for roster spots to re-open.