PWHL Montreal had a strong inaugural season, and in part it was because of their drafting in 2023. When the PWHL's 2024 Draft arrives, Montreal will be able to add to that foundation.
PWHL Montreal had a strong inaugural season, and in part it was because of their drafting in 2023. When the PWHL's 2024 Draft arrives, Montreal will be able to add to that foundation.
PWHL Montreal found success through the regular season led by the expected characters in Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Erin Ambrose. PWHL teams are bound to change dramatically this offseason, not only through free agency, but through the draft. Montreal looks to be in a good place moving forward, where they will be able to select best available players throughout the draft.
At the 2024 PWHL Draft, 42 players will see their rights added to the organization depth charts of the PWHL. Here are PWHL Boston's biggest needs at the 2024 PWHL Draft.
Players Returning:
Marie-Philip Poulin, Kennedy Marchment, Maureen Murphy, Laura Stacey, Kristin O'Neill, Erin Ambrose, Dominika Laskova, Kati Tabin, and Ann-Renee Desbiens. It's an excellent start to next season, just like it was an excellent start to this season. Getting Kennedy Marchment and Dominika Laskova back healthy for a fresh start is the next step.
Biggest Draft Needs In Montreal
Montreal may be one of the unique teams who can take a best available approach to the draft. They would be wise to grab a high end defender with their first pick. Defensive depth is a serious question mark for Montreal, but the insertion of a single high end D coupled with the return of Dominika Laskova and their blueline will thrive. Ronja Savolainen would be a nice fit, as would Maja Nylen Persson, and they'll be able to grab one or the other in the first two rounds. Up front, Montreal could use secondary scoring to take the load off Poulin and Stacey. O'Neill finally started clicking late in the season, but at times Montreal lacked a legitimate secondary threat. There's a variety of players who could fulfill this need in the draft whether it's Danielle Serdachny, Noora Tulus, Anna Meixner, or Izzy Daniel. Montreal has room to grow up and down the lineup, so they can pick for best available on their list across the board. Montreal surprised some last year with their targets at the draft, expect the same this year, but it's not without method and a plan.
If there is one positional need, it's along Montreal's left wing. Jennifer Gardiner would be an excellent pick, as would Dara Greig or Klara Hymlarova. There's a chance Montreal could need a second goaltender as well, as Elaine Chuli will certainly field calls after the spectacular season she had backing up Ann-Renee Desbiens.
Don't Forget Montreal's Last Pick
With the last pick of the 2023 PWHL Draft, 90th overall, Montreal selected left winger Lina Ljungblom. She'll be the key to Montreal solidifying their left side next year. Ljungblom, 22, was the top scoring Swedish born player in the SDHL this season recording 23 goals and 46 points in 36 games. It was enough to earn her SDHL MVP honors this season. She was also the top threat for Sweden at the World Championships scoring three points in five games, being named one of Sweden's top three players in the tournament.