Vanisova for Boulier? Darkangelo for Adzija and Lonergan? Here's a look at both deals spun on PWHL Trade Deadline Day.

The PWHL's first trade deadline had more action that expected with a pair of deals taking place, both involving PWHL Ottawa. In the first deal, PWHL Ottawa acquired Tereza Vanisova from Montreal in exchange for defender Amanda Boulier. In their second deal, Ottawa sent forwards Lexie Adzija and Caitrin Lonergan to Boston for forward Shiann Darkangelo.

Trade #1: Vanisova For Boulier

Tereza Vanisova has been one of the breakout stars in the league this season playing for PWHL Montreal. The Czech national team member has flashed her skill as a playmaker, and also showcased her skating and effective puck pursuit. Along the way, it's believed Vanisova fell out of favor with Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie. With 10 points in 17 games, Vanisova will immediately become a welcomed addition to Ottawa's top six, and should be able to quickly find chemistry with Czechia teammate Katerina Mrazova and former Toronto Six teammate Daryl Watts, and will already have comfort playing under Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod, who is also Czechia's head coach. No matter how they deploy Vanisova, she's an immediate upgrade to their speed and skill up front. Ottawa is a better team with Vanisova in the mix.

For Montreal, the removal of Vanisova is a loss to an offensive group that at times has already lacked scoring punch, but the move was made easier after Marie-Philip Poulin found chemistry with Claire Dalton on her left wing, a spot the team had tried Vanisova at often early on. Acquiring Amanda Boulier however, was a move necessitated by Montreal's blueline needs, which were magnified by the longterm injury to Dominika Laskova. Boulier has been a pleasant surprise in Ottawa. She was playing as Ottawa's fifth defender, but might find her way into Montreal's top four, especially if the team shifts Leah Lum back up front. Boulier's an undersized, but intelligent defender who picks her spots well, and reads the play as well as anyone in the league at the position.

Trade # 2: Adzija and Lonergan For Darkangelo 

For fans, this wasn't a popular move as Lexie Adzija got off to a hot start for the team, and was a beloved member of the Ottawa community off the ice. Adzija, however, over the last month saw her role dissipate with Ottawa sliding from her line duties to a third line role. After scoring six points in her first seven games, Adzija has only two over her last 10, and she hasn't registered a point in March. Similarly, over her last eight games, Adzija is a dismal -6. While Adzija endeared herself to Ottawa fans using her size to generate chances, through her on ice exuberance, and off-ice style, her adjusted stats, however, place Adzija at the bottom of Ottawa's forward group in multiple categories. Still, Adzija had been one of the bright spots for Ottawa much of this season. When Ottawa acquired another left wing, Tereza Vanisova, however, Adzija was set to be pushed to the fourth line. In Boston, the injury this week to Loren Gabel opened a need for a winger who can score, and Adzija will likely be given that chance, potentially even on the second line alongside Hilary Knight and Hannah Brandt. 

Shiann Darkangelo has had a season to forget statistically, which is another reason Ottawa fans reacted as violently as they did to news that Adzija had been traded. With only a lone assist in 17 games, fans who have not seen Darkangelo play in person, or watched her closely over the past several seasons may question the move. Darkangelo has spent significant time this season in Boston on the wing, away from her natural center position. Ottawa was in need of depth down the middle, especially with the acquisition of Vanisova, which will allow them to shift their forward group around. Darkangelo fits Carla MacLeod's style of play as a physical forward, who protects the puck well, is strong on the puck, and takes care of her own zone. Darkangelo also brings immediately chemistry as the former captain of the Toronto Six, where Ottawa forwards Daryl Watts and Vanisova played last season.

The wildcard in this deal is the rights to Caitrin Lonergan, who is actually a player who competes in a style that could benefit Boston. She's got speed, and is a proven scorer, who could also add some intensity to Boston's roster. Lonergan, a Massachusetts product hasn't played this year, but there's a legitimate chance she returns and is a difference maker.

The Verdict

Ottawa, at the end of the day is a stronger team than when they started. In essence they flipped Adzija for Vanisova at left wing, and brought in a center in Darkangelo to boot. The loss of Boulier hurts in the short term, but it's a positional need they can fill at the draft, while allowing Zoe Boyd to get more time now. While any deal involving Adzija would have been spurned by Ottawa fans, the opportunity to add Vanisova could be a game changer.

Montreal lost a standout player in Vanisova, but filled a positional need with Boulier. It's hard to see this as a win for Montreal.

Boston was the other winner of the day, adding scoring depth and size to their wing in Adzija, and a plethora of potential in Lonergan. They got younger, they filled a need on the wing, and while they gave up leadership, the deal also has the potential to swing heavily in their favor in coming seasons if Adzija remains with the team beyond this year.