PWHL Montreal selected Abby Boreen and Amanda Kessel in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Both had hoped to be elsewhere. Should Montreal trade them? And if so, what can they expect in return?
PWHL Montreal selected Abby Boreen and Amanda Kessel in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Both had hoped to be elsewhere. Should Montreal trade them? And if so, what can they expect in return?
PWHL Montreal drafted two players who were expected to end up in other markets. In fact, they selected two players who wanted to end up in other markets. What does it mean for Montreal's forward depth, and should they trade Abby Boreen or Amanda Kessel, or both?
Boreen's Situation Is More Unique
Prior to year one, players were given the opportunity to bypass the PWHL Draft after declaring to become reserves. It was an exception made for a specific few who either weren't granted compassionate circumstances, or like Abby Boreen, who didn't expect to be able to compete full time. For Boreen and Claire Thompson, it was because they were both enrolled in full time academic programs. Boreen was working to become a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota, while Thompson was in medical school in New York. Boreen however, found that she could manage her educational requirements, and playing pro hockey because of the supportive staff at the University of Minnesota.
“I'm so grateful for the support from the pharmacy school, I mean, I couldn't do it without them; all the professors and all of my counselors, everyone is so supportive,” Boreen said in an article published by Minnesota's College of Pharmacy. “They’re willing to work with me so I am able to live out my dream of playing hockey. I think it’s a really cool story that not a lot of people in a graduate program are able to do.”
“I'm gonna try to keep balancing both throughout my pharmacy career and just take it day by day,” she said.
That day by day plan however, took a turn when she was selected by Montreal. According to sources, PWHL Montreal has been trying to find equivalent courses for Boreen to continue her studies in Montreal at McGill. But that task reportedly has not gone as smooth as hoped and it's leading to trade speculation.
The problem for Montreal is that there's only one team Boreen could play for and continue her studies. The bigger problem is if Minnesota wants Boreen, Montreal won't give her up cheap. Looking at Montreal's lineup, they'll certainly want a forward in return, but who would Minnesota be willing to move? Considering they drafted Britta Curl and Klara Hymlarova ahead of Boreen, it won't be either of them, unless they actually valued Boreen more than Hymlarova, but miscalculated and thought other teams wouldn't take her. Outside of Minnesota's three year guaranteed contracted players, that leaves only Michela Cava, Liz Schepers, and Denisa Krisova. Last season Montreal it's believed Montreal tried to acquire Krisova but then Minnesota general manager Natalie Dawitz didn't want to move her.
What happens with Amanda Kessel?
This is a far more precarious situation. Kessel reportedly told teams she only wanted to play in Boston, and also expressed a dollar figure she'd want if drafted. It appeared to be enough to keep teams away from selecting her...until Montreal used their final pick in the draft on the American national team star. Kessel is one of the best scorers in the game, and Montreal GM Daniele Sauvageau said following the draft that it was her expectation that every player who entered the draft accepted that they would play in any market. Boston didn't select Kessel either, which confused some, but it's more likely that Boston wanted to avoid a perceived conflict than the fact they didn't want the star. The fact Kessel made her wants known put Boston in a difficult spot, particularly with her sister-in-law Courtney Kessel serving as head coach of Boston.
So what now? Boston could certainly afford Kessel, and would undoubtedly like to add the forward. But at what cost? Similar to the Boreen situation, Sauvageau, who is a savvy leader, won't be giving Kessel away for free. Nor will she trade Kessel as if she has similar value to other late round picks. Kessel is a top two round talent and Montreal will want an impact player in return. Montreal has needs at all three forward positions, but one player who could make sense in a one-for-one trade is Loren Gabel. Gabel could add offensive talent in Montreal, and be a suitable replacement for Kessel. Other players who could be available are Taylor Girard or Theresa Schafzahl, but Montreal would likely want more in return.