Here's a look at what Montreal's roster to date looks like, and what the PWHL franchise still needs to find.
Here's a look at what Montreal's roster to date looks like, and what the PWHL franchise still needs to find.
Looking at Montreal's roster through the first phase of free agency and the PWHL Draft, the team looks poised to score, often. Marie-Philip Poulin was joined by a cast of offensively minded players, who will provide Montreal scoring depth throughout their lineup. Montreal was also the first team to dip into the PHF talent pool, selecting defender Dominika Laskova 19th overall. The mobile defender loves to jump into the play, and is able able to play shut down minutes when needed. Throughout the draft, Montreal took a mix of veterans and young players, choosing from players from Canada, USA, Czechia, and Sweden.
Here are some key takeaways from Montreal's current roster.
An Abundance of Offence
Of course Montreal started with Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey up front, but they added Kristen O'Neill, Kennedy Marchment, Jillian Dempsey, and Ann-Sophie Bettez in the draft, all proven professional scorers. They also took puck moving blueliners who love to join the rush like Maude Poulin-Labelle, Kati Tabin, Laskova, and Erin Ambrose.
You couldn't help but notice Mikael Nahabedian's handiwork on these selections alongside Daniele Sauvageau helping guide Montreal's draft table, and it made for some astute selections.
Maureen Murphy and Gabrielle David both have the potential to play their way into the top six as up and coming offensive stars, while Tereza Vanisova is going to provide quality bottom six contributions. Claire Dalton is an intelligent forward who can contribute and grow into a larger role, while the wildcard among them all, Lina Ljungblom could blossom into a star. She's the youngest player in the PWHL, and was Sweden's top scorer at the World Championships.
What does Montreal still need?
With 11 forwards, five defenders, and a pair of goalies in the organization, Montreal doesn't need much, but there's still room to add. Montreal definitely needs at least two defenders to fill out their roster. There are plenty of options who had intended to play in the PHF with the Montreal Force this season including Catherine Daoust, Emma Keenan, Taylor Baker, or Christine Deaudelin. Montreal is also a highly skilled team, but could use some sandpaper on the backend, which could make Kaleigh Fratkin a target.
Montreal's Current 18 Player Roster
Goalies: Ann-Renee Desbiens, Elaine Chuli