The PWHL free agency pool remains large, but is shrinking. Between unsigned draft picks, free agents from rosters last season, and undrafted free agents looking for tryouts, there are more than 100 players left on the market looking for only a few roster spots.
The PWHL free agency pool remains large, but is shrinking. Between unsigned draft picks, free agents from rosters last season, and undrafted free agents looking for tryouts, there are more than 100 players left on the market looking for only a few roster spots.
In the first five days of PWHL free agency, three players have switched teams including Daryl Watts and Emma Woods heading from Ottawa and New York respectively to Toronto, and Rebecca Leslie heading from Toronto to Ottawa. Aside from these moves, it's been a slew of re-signings and draft picks inking.
If every 2024 PWHL Draft pick were to make a roster, there are only nine roster spots left league wide before reserves are considered. If unsigned draft picks are factored in, excluding third goalie positions, there are 45 roster spots league wide to be had. Those spots will be fought for by 39 draft picks, roughly 60 remaining free agents who were signed in the league last season, and a few dozen undrafted free agents. It will result in stiff competition that will league roughly 50 members of the PWHL's roster last season out of the league this year.
Here's a look at who remains on the PWHL Free Agent Market:
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. Catherine Daoust - Played steady minutes in Montreal this year. As a sixth or seventh defender, Daoust can still contribute reliable minutes in this league.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Sarah Bujold
14. Shiann Darkangelo
15. Emma Greco
16. Alexandra Huszak
17. Shae Demale
18. Gigi Marvin
19. Taylor Wenczkowski
20. Catherine Dubois
21. Sarah Lefort
22. Ann-Sophie Bettez
23. Maggie MacEachern
24. Paeytn Levis
25. Sandra Abstreiter
Other free agents to watch: Chayla Edwards, Mathea Fischer, Michelle Lowenhielm, Abby Moloughney, Madison Bizal, , Kayla Vespa, Taylor Baker, Akane Shiga, Leah Lum, Sadie Peart, Kaitlyn O'Donohoe, Charlotte Akervik, Lotti Odnoga