Minnesota went local setting a clear team identity. Here's a look at how their roster looks to this point, and what the team still needs.
Minnesota went local setting a clear team identity. Here's a look at how their roster looks to this point, and what the team still needs.
Minnesota has a decidedly local look and identity. It's something fans will love...as long as it translates to wins.
Minnesota won the draft lottery, earning the chance to select Taylor Heise first overall, which gives the team a top line trio alongside Kendall Coyne Schofield and Grace Zumwinkle that will come at opponents with speed and skill, and can physically handle any defensive pairing that comes at them. Here's a look at the rest of Minnesota's current roster.
Key Role Players Acquired
If you look at Michela Cava's resume, it's filled with championships - the Isobel Cup with the PHF's Toronto Six last season, a ZHL championship with KRS Shenzhen the year prior, and an SDHL win with Lulea the year before that. She brings a lot to Minnesota's middle six. The same can be said by experienced players like Sydney Brodt and Liz Schepers, and potential breakout star Clair DeGeorge. On the backend, Minnesota managed a similar feat grabbing Sidney Morin and Minttu Tuominen from the PHF, as well as no-flash blueliner Natalie Buchbinder who will play a key defensive role. Similarly, the drafting of Amanda Leveille will provide stability, and starting potential in net.
What will be the Tapani effect?
This seems like a safe gamble, as Susanna Tapani had intended to play in North America this year with the Metropolitan Riveters. Tapani is a big forward who uses that frame effectively, and was long considered one of the best players in the world. Alongside Clair DeGeorge Minnesota has a sizeable left side.
No need to worry, the options are endless
There are a few spots in Minnesota's lineup where it looks like they're lacking depth, but that's not a concern given the abundance of Minnesota based players who will be clambering to stay local during the free agency and tryout periods. That list includes , Catie Skaja, Abigail Boreen, Natalie Snodgrass Claire Butorac, and even veteran Gigi Marvin. One major loss for Minnesota is Patti Marshall, who applied for compassionate circumstances, but was not granted, and in turn removed herself from the draft making her ineligible for a standard player agreement. Marshall can sign as a reserve, which it's believed she will, but she could have been an immediate boost to their blueline.