PWHL Ottawa general manager Mike Hirshfeld addressed media Friday ahead of the PWHL Draft, an event he hopes will help set Ottawa up for success now and for years to come.
PWHL Ottawa general manager Mike Hirshfeld addressed media Friday ahead of the PWHL Draft, an event he hopes will help set Ottawa up for success now and for years to come.
Mike Hirshfeld spoke to the media about the PWHL Draft which will take place in less than three days. Hirshfeld will need to significantly bolster a roster that missed the playoffs by an inch, while every team in the PWHL will become considerably better. Ottawa with the guidance of Hirshfeld will need to improve not just by an inch but by leaps and bounds.
From the outset when Mike Hirshfeld became GM of Ottawa he reiterated his stance that he wants Ottawa to become a consistent winner, he hopes this Draft will provide that for PWHL Ottawa.
“This is a long term build, and we want to make sure we're competitive for years to come,” said Hirshfeld.
His first decision will be drafting at the 2nd overall position, for Hirshfeld it’s clear what his philosophy will be with the selection to build that long-term winner in Ottawa.
“In the first couple of rounds, it's the best player available,” said Hirshfeld. “We're not going to worry too much about position. We're looking for a player that can be generational and can be with us the next three years and beyond.”
In the mold of building a consistent winner for years to come Hirshfeld has constantly focused on bringing in younger players that Ottawa can build around, it seems like that will also be part of Ottawa’s drafting strategy according to Hirshfeld. When asked by the Hockey News about how much weight Hirshfeld places on age, it’s clear age will be prioritized for Hirshfeld on Monday in Minnesota.
“That’s a delicate balance and something we've discussed internally, we obviously want to win next year and make the playoffs next year. But again, this is a long term build, and we want to make sure we're competitive for years to come.”
Hirshfeld is not only focusing on the draft but has begun negotiating with his own Free Agents since June the 1st ahead of Free Agency on June 21st. Hirshfeld has already re-sign Natalie Snodgrass to a one-year deal.
His most pressing contract negotiations have already begun with star forwards Daryl Watts and Katerina Mrazova. Hirshfeld said he has initiated contract negotiations with both players that have been “really positive”.
“Both of them have expressed an interest in coming back to Ottawa,” said Hirshfeld. “I think they really enjoyed their experience here. We feel like we're in a really strong position. We think, based on our salary cap, that we can offer them a really competitive contract. We feel we're in a good spot. And we feel like we'll get both of them done and hopefully back in Ottawa for next season.”
For PWHL Ottawa fans who have been yearning for positive news with both Watts and Mrazova it was music to their ears to hear from Mike Hirshfeld that he felt confident both players will be back at TD place in the fall.
Another note-worthy tidbit was when Hirshfeld followed up on the Hockey News recent interview with the General Manager on contract negotiations with backup goaltender Sandra Abstreiter. Hirshfeld explained that he believes she through her size and athletic ability can become one of the better goaltenders and the league and thus offered her a contract.
“We've offered Sandra (Abstreiter) a guaranteed contract for next year,” said Hirshfeld. He later added, "We'll see if we can get this done before free agency she may go to free agency.”
Ottawa may have to select a goaltender in the draft if they cannot reach an agreement with Abstreiter ahead of time. It will be a fascinating little subplot to watch, for PWHL Ottawa fans.
Another, fun storyline could be Mae Batherson and Dara Greig joining their Ottawa Senator brothers Drake and Ridly as professional hockey players who are playing in the city of Ottawa. When Hirshfeld was asked about if the marketing of sibling hockey players in Ottawa might have any influence on picking either Mae Batherson or Dara Greig, Hirshfeld deflected the impact of the influence.
“We're aware of their connections, but it's just a tiny piece," said Hirshfeld.
Hirshfeld will have his final meetings before a monumental draft for the PWHL Ottawa franchise to build off an exciting, ground-breaking yet bitter season.
“The Draft list will be set this afternoon,” said Hirshfeld. “We feel like we're in a really good spot for Monday night (the Draft).