There are plenty of PWHL players set to hit the open market this season who just have not been able to hit their offensive stride in the league in the first two seasons of PWHL play.
It's a list that includes former Patty Kazmaier winners Elizabeth Giguere and Loren Gabel. They aren't alone however. Here's a look at five PWHL free agents who could see a significant offensive uptick next season with an elevated role with their existing team, or a new opportunity in a different market.
Loren Gabel
She's one of the best shooters in the league. Gabel didn't click on Boston's top lines, and was relegated to a bottom line role, one she's completely unfamiliar with and her game doesn't suit. Gabel scored 40 goals as a senior with Clarkson. She followed that by scoring six goals in seven games in her only World Championships with Canada. After a few seasons with the PWHPA, Gabel moved to the PHF where she scored 20 goals in 22 games for the Boston Pride leading the league in scoring and being named league MVP. The former Patty Kazmaier winner had a decent first season, but it was marred by injury. She needs physicality on her line to allow her to find soft spots. But in that role, and on the power play, she could break out with the right group.
Elizabeth Giguere
Stylistically, the fast and physical PWHL took adaptation for Giguere. Year one in New York was a set back for many players, and Giguere was no exception. Expected to play a top six role in New York, she fell to less than 10 minutes a night and was forced into an unfamiliar checking role. She's big at 5-foot-10, was an NCAA superstar winning the Patty Kazmaier and being nominated three times, and she scored more than a point per game in her lone PHF season with Boston. Perhaps Boston is the right fit again for a player looking for familiarity, but it's more likely Giguere goes to Montreal where scoring is at a premium, and she could conceivably find herself taking reps with Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey.
Chloe Aurard
Get Chloe Aurard out of New York! It wasn't a fit from day one and Aurard's confidence plummeted. She just didn't have the surrounding players to help her develop and move through year one struggles. In her final three full seasons at Northeastern, Aurard scored 20 goals three times, and as a senior, she had 54 points in 38 games. It feels like there are two logical spots for Aurard to land. Boston would reunite her with Alina Muller, and Boston is in desperate need of a player with offensive upside to flank Muller. With ex-Northeastern coach Dave Flint spotted in the Seattle war-room, Aurard might be a name they discussed as a target for their third line. Ottawa might also be a fit as their locker room is known for confidence and culture.
Maggie Connors
Connors only had two points, both goals, in 30 games last season for the Toronto Sceptres. Considering she averaged barely over seven minutes of ice per game, and wasn't given special teams opportunities, it's no surprise. In the NCAA however, Connors was one of the most consistent goal scorers, including a career high 26 goals as a rookie. In her senior season, Connors scored 17 alongside Sarah Fillier. Could the two reunite in New York? Either way, Connors has more in her if she's given the opportunity.
Laura Kluge
Kluge isn't going to jump into the top tier in this league, but she has the potential to be a Shiann Darkangelo level player who hits double digits in points while doing the important things on both sides of the puck. Having some experience from year one in Toronto, albeit with limited ice time, will serve Kluge well. She's big, an excellent teammate, has pace, and checks hard. In the right situation it could turn into power forward opportunities, hard driving goals, and second opportunities for her and her linemates. Ottawa feels like a logical fit, but Kluge might also get calls to anchor a third line out West.