The PWHL's six teams announced dozens of free agent invites who will fight for roster spots at training camps next month. Here's a look at five notable invites.
The PWHL's six teams announced dozens of free agent invites who will fight for roster spots at training camps next month. Here's a look at five notable invites.
41 players will attend PWHL training camps next week as free agent camp invites. Many are returning players without contracts. Some however, are newcomers to the league who should be noted.
Here's a look at five notable PWHL training camp invites to watch:
Rylind MacKinnon, Toronto Sceptres
One of the players passed over in the PWHL Draft with the most upside, it's not surprising to see MacKinnon in Toronto's camp given the fact she's been invited to Canada's national team camp several times in recent seasons. The writing for this invite was on the wall as Gina Kingsbury and Troy Ryan again had the University of British Columbia alumni at Canada's Fall selection camp favoring her invitation over several drafted players and current PWHL members. She's big, and can play on both sides of the puck. MacKinnon could turn into a long term stalwart in this league that will have teams kicking themselves for passing on her in the draft.
Laura Kluge, Toronto Sceptres
If Toronto's forward depth wasn't impressive enough, they also have potentially the top forward not drafted coming to camp. Kluge does so many things well. She's big, she plays hard on both sides of the puck, and in terms of matching the style or play and role player profiles that Ryan and Kingsbury love, Kluge is a great match here. The problem is she'll be competing with Noemi Neubauerova and Anneke Linser, but for a checking line role, there are few out there who can play in this league and have a depth impact like Kluge. Almost every team in the PWHL showed some level of interest in Kluge. If she doesn't sign in Toronto, there will still be interest.
Klára Peslarová, Boston Fleet
Peslarová is better than some of the goaltenders currently in the PWHL. Yes, you read that right. The longtime starter for Czechia, Peslarová's resume is plastered with top goaltender awards internationally and at the league level. It was surprising she was not selected by a PWHL team at the draft as she can certainly play and improve a team. If Boston chooses Peslarová to be their third (which seems like a no brainer), they'll also have a player who could step in and play, and win games, waiting in the wings should an injury occur. It's invaluable depth.
Kaitlyn O’Donohoe, Minnesota Frost
If there's one invitation that surprised some, including coaches and teams in Sweden, it was the invitation of Kaitlyn O'Donohoe. After a strong NCAA career at Colgate, O'Donohoe slipped through the PWHL Draft but also landed a contract in Europe with Brynas. She hasn't stood out as spectacular in the SDHL thus far, but Minnesota's offseason turmoil created gaps in their scouting, drafting, and recruiting, and O'Donohoe has a legitimate chance to steal a roster spot, particularly if the devaluation of Minnesota's depth that became a point of discussion among their roster last season impacts the chances of returning players. Minnesota also has big defender Charlotte Akervik coming to camp. She has a higher ceiling than some picked in the late rounds of the draft, particularly as it relates to defenders who can take care of their own zone, something that lacked in the league at times last season.
Audrey-Anne Veillette, Ottawa Charge
Drafted in 2023, Veillette had a season ending injury during the offseason leading up to the PWHL's inaugural season. She returned at the roster freeze deadline as a reserve. Veillette is a strong scorer, and fits into Ottawa's organizational intention of bringing in people who will be involved in the community and fit as cohesive teammates alongside on ice skill. Could she be the next Jade Downie Landry in the league? Certainly, and given the opportunity she could become the best U Sports alumni in the league.