Seven free agents signed new contracts on the first day of PWHL free agency. Here's a look at the top players still remaining on the market.
Seven free agents signed new contracts on the first day of PWHL free agency. Here's a look at the top players still remaining on the market.
PWHL Free Agency is well underway.
On the opening day Emma Woods and Daryl Watts were the first two players to switch teams, while Hannah Miller, Katerina Mrazova, Liz Schepers, Michela Cava, and Lexie Adzija took themselves off the market.
Here's a look at the top free agents out there.
1. Claire Dalton
The Yale grad looked good all season in Montreal, and there's reason to believe she can take a significant step forward next year in the league. Watch for interest from PWHL New York to reunite Dalton with Elle Hartje, but she's as likely to return to Montreal.
2. Mellissa Channell
She was completely overlooked in Minnesota, but played a crucial game. A good distributor, capable of taking away time and space with her feet. Offensively she's not going to provide a lot, but on a third pairing, Channell will be a reliable contributor, and brings championship experience.
3. Kaleigh Fratkin
Fratkin showed her skating and typical physical presence on the point this season. Probably the top candidate to fill Boston's final defensive hole, but may be willing to listen to offers.
4. Mikyla Grant-Mentis
She stepped into a top six role in Montreal in the playoffs and competed admirably. But like Adzija, there aren't top six jobs available. It's a bottom six checking role with ability to move up when needed. Grant-Mentis feels like a veteran, because she is, but she's young enough to still progress as a pro.
5. Laura Kluge, C, Memmingen, DFEL
Kluge is big, competitive, a great team player off the ice, and can play a defensive checking role like few in this class. On a third or fourth line, Kluge is going to make a team harder to play against, and help win those one goal games.
6. Gabrielle David
Could end up back in Montreal, or move into a depth role with another team like Ottawa. David has offensive upside, and should show nice growth as a sophomore.
7. Rylind MacKinnon, D, British Columbia
Standing 5-foot-10, MacKinnon is a rangey blueliner who uses her reach and size to take away lanes and space. As a sixth or seventh defender, MacKinnon could develop into a steal in this league. There lots of room for her to develop and become a long term pro in the PWHL.
8. Klara Peslarova, G, Brynas, SDHL
Adding a World Championship All-Star, and one of the best goaltenders on the planet without using a pick is a steal. Looking at teams like Toronto and New York who will rest some of their hopes this season on a rookie backup, bringing in Peslarova as insurance could be wise, particularly if an injury occurs. If Peslarova gets into a crease, she might not come out.
9. Jillian Dempsey - There's still gas left in this tank, and PWHL Montreal criminally underutilized Dempsey. Adding the veteran leadership of Jillian Dempsey to a third or fourth line, knowing she could step into a bigger role if needed seems like a no brainer. Look for Boston to bring her home.
10. Rebecca Leslie - Could Ottawa bring her home. Leslie was a strong contributor on Toronto's bottom line. She knows how to play a checking line role, and brings a veteran presence.
11. Catherine Daoust - Played steady minutes in Montreal this year. As a sixth or seventh defender, Daoust can still contribute reliable minutes in this league.
12. Madison Packer - Don't count out Madison Packer. With the frustration of New York in the past, Packer will look to come back with new motivation. One of the top pro scorers of the decade, Packer just didn't get a chance under Howie Draper. Her value also spills over from the ice into the locker room where her presence as a positive leader is invaluable.
13. Amanda Pelkey - It's hard to ignore the impact she had in the playoffs for Boston scoring big goals and flashing a skill set that was hidden most of the season. As fourth line depth, few are as effective.
14. Sarah Bujold
15. Shiann Darkangelo
16. Emma Greco
17. Alexandra Huszak
18. Shae Demale
19. Gigi Marvin
20. Maggie MacEachern
Other free agents to watch: Emma Bergesen, Sarah Lefort, Catherine Dubois, , Taylor Wenczkowski, Chayla Edwards, Mathea Fischer, Michelle Lowenhielm, Abby Moloughney, Madison Bizal, Paeytn Levis, Kayla Vespa, Sandra Abstreiter, Taylor Baker, Akane Shiga, Leah Lum, Ann-Sophie Bettez, Sadie Peart, Alexie Guay, Kaitlyn O'Donohoe, Charlotte Akervik, Lotti Odnoga