New York finished the PWHL free agency period signing Abby Roque, Alex Carpenter, and Micah Zandee-Hart. Here's a look at what the team got, and still needs.
New York was the final team to announce their inaugural signings, bringing in Team USA forward Abby Roque and Alex Carpenter, and Team Canada defender Micah Zandee-Hart. Here's a look at what New York got and what they'll need to target moving forward.
Youngest Team Out Of The Gate
New York was the only PWHL team to not sign a player in their 30s, while still bringing in a trio of veterans. When the puck drops on the season, Carpenter will be 29, Roque 26 and Hart 26. The trio bring a unique dynamic to New York as Roque and Carpenter have proven themselves as two of the more difficult players to compete against in international competition. The three national team players provide a base that New York can continue to build on that will keep them competitive not only this season, but as their three-year contracts near expiration.
Roque and Carpenter provide an instant identity that GM Pascal Daoust could continue to build on looking at players that have multiple dimensions to their game.
Who Stayed On The Market
A few big name American players didn't sign in New York, which gave significance to Zandee-Hart becoming the first national team member to cross the border and sign in a city not tied to their home country. Leading the way for players from Team USA who were not signed were Amanda Kessel, Savannah Harmon, Nicole Hensley, Hayley Scammura, and Becca Gilmore.
It was rumored that Savannah Harmon was in negotiations with New York, who ultimately signed defender Zandee-Hart.
What Will New York Need At The Draft?
New York picks 4th, 9th, and 16th. If would not be surprising to see them use either pick #9 or pick #16 to acquire who they believe can be a starter in net. Nicole Hensley is the obvious selection for New York if she's available. If not, there are plenty of alternatives from former national team member Maddie Rooney, PHF Goalie of the Year Corinne Schroeder, and youngsters like Emma Soderberg and Abbey Levy.
Beyond that need, New York will likely look for another high end defender, potentially with pick #4. At that point in the draft, multiple defenders from the group of national team members Savannah Harmon, Erin Ambrose, Claire Thompson, Jamie Bourbonnais, and Ella Shelton will be available. Zandee-Hart is a capable defender, but complimenting her with another veteran should be a target as the team did not grab one of USA or Canada's top pairing defenders.