Blueline depth was a concern across the PWHL this season, but it doesn't mean the league was without stars at defence. Here's a look at the top 10 blueliners in the PWHL.
The position is set to get a major boost through the draft with not only elite North Americans like Claire Thompson and Cayla Barnes coming in, but also an international bump with Ronja Savolainen, Maja Nylen Persson, and Daniela Pejsova among others joining the league.
Here's a look at the top 10 blueliners in the PWHL from the inaugural season.
1. Erin Ambrose, Montreal
Individually on the blueline this season, few accomplished what Ambrose was able to both offensively and in a shutdown role. She did it without the support other defenders in the league had logging incredible minutes, playing special teams, and continuing to show why she's one of the best blueliners on the planet. Second among all blueliners in scoring this year finishing tied for 9th in league scoring with 18 points in 24 games.
2. Renata Fast, Toronto
Fast often gets discussed as part of a pair, which likely hurts her campaign for individual honors, but there's no denying how elite she is. As her name suggests, Renata Fast is an excellent skater, she can jumpstart an offense from the back end, and she can physically handle any competition.
3. Megan Keller, Boston
Few play the game like Keller. She can take over with the puck when she chooses, but is also a big, physical presence in her own zone. Some might think of her as an offense first blueliner, but it just isn't true. She can handle herself on both sides of the puck and is a strong enough skater that even when she chooses to transport the puck, Keller can get herself back into position quickly.
4. Ella Shelton, New York
The top scoring defender in the PWHL, Shelton showed how she can contribute. Unfortunately no one in New York should be receiving much love for their defensive play this year, and that includes Shelton. She was the best of their bunch, choosing her moments well and contributing when she did jump up, and she's a physical and steadying presence defensively. When New York gets a defensive system in place, Shelton should be able to do even more. Finished 5th in league scoring with 21 points.
5. Lee Stecklein, Minnesota
Watching Stecklein's control on the game in the PWHL playoffs showed why she's a winner, and why she is still considered one of the best defenders in the world whether she chooses to play for Team USA or not. Stecklein uses her frame and reach to win pucks, and has a strong shot. She takes care of her own zone first, but isn't shy to chip in at the offensive blueline either. Not flashy, but effective.
6. Jocelyne Larocque, Toronto
There were times this season when placing Larocque this high may have been a stretch but she remains one of the better defensive defenders out there. Tough in the corners and in front of the net, Larocque is always competing. There were more notable turnovers and bobbles with the puck this season than we've traditionally seen in her game, but as Toronto gains defensive depth, Larocque should be able to setting into a simplified role in year two.
7. Savannah Harmon, Ottawa
The top blueliner in Ottawa, Harmon played a lot of important minutes in the PWHL this year, whether it was special teams, defensive zone starts, or final minutes either holding a lead or looking for a goal. With more defensive depth in Ottawa, it should free up Harmon's offensive game more in year two.
8. Kati Tabin, Montreal
Don't let this selection surprise you, Kati Tabin is a versatile blueliner who defends the rush well, wins her board battles, and most of all, is night in and night out consistent. There are few worries when it comes to Tabin being on the ice in any situation. She should see increased offensive production in year two once Montreal's blueline gets straightened out and healthy.
9. Kali Flanagan, Toronto
There's a lot of focus in Toronto on their top two, but Flanagan quietly did the rest. When Larocque and Fast were on the bench, Flanagan was running the ship, and without her capability to transport pucks, make good exit passes, and defend with her feet and a good stick, Toronto would have been sunk on many occasions, and their top pair would have been even more burnt out than they already were.
10. Ashton Bell, Ottawa
In a season or two, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ashton Bell climbing this list. She was one of the more consistent rookie blueliners in the league this season contributing not only offensively as a puck moving defender, but finding her way in her own zone as well. Bell grabbed a roster spot for Canada at Worlds and it was a testament to her all around growth as a player.