The Biggest Need For Every PWHL Team Moving Forward

The PWHL season has barrelled toward the midway mark. And team needs have become more clear. Here's a look at the biggest need for each of the PWHL's six teams.

The PWHL is nearing the midway point of the regular season and soon, teams will be looking to make their final adjustments heading into playoffs. It could be adding a free agent or making a trade, or for some it could be holding with the roster they have and waiting until the 2024 PWHL Draft and free agency opens before they make their moves. Here's a look at the biggest need for each roster at the moment.

It's hard to pinpoint a single need on Boston's lineup other than the fact they aren't finishing. The biggest thing they are still figuring out is how to best activate their forward talent and bring on ice chemistry. There's too many players who should be producing who aren't. Hilary Knight is one of the PWHL's leaders for time on ice, but has only scored a single goal this season in overtime. Perhaps the answer rests in activating their blueline more as aside from Megan Keller, no Boston defender is contributing regularly offensively. Boston fans may also be watching to see if Emma Soderberg can bounce back after some shaky starts.

Surprisingly, Minnesota weathered the absence of Taylor Heise without a significant drop in performance, but long term, that can't be expected. Right now Minnesota is playing a player short, and they've had to move Dominique Kremer from the blueline to the wing or it would be two players short. They made a trade for Sophie Jaques which has helped their blueline depth so far, but now it's left a gap up front. Without proper affiliates or developmental pathways, teams are going to run into issues as injuries mount. Minnesota could look into the free agent pool, or perhaps they can add Abby Boreen full time once her season ends.

Montreal is playing solid hockey, but their blueline lacks talent. Erin Ambrose is a star, and Kati Tabin is outplaying expectations. Montreal also has Dominika Laskova, but she's struggled at times this year, and is now on LTIR. Beyond this trio, Montreal needs help. They've got surprising play from Mariah Keopple who looks like she could hang around in the league moving forward, but in a playoff battle, Montreal will wish they had one more blueliner who could slide into their 4-5 spot.

PWHL New York has a touted blueline, but it's a little one note so far this season. Watching the team it looks like more of a coaching issue than a player personnel issue, but finding a blueliner who is more naturally inclined to take care of their own zone first could truly help this team. They need someone who can play minutes without the main focus being jumping into the play, and their club still looks out of place and disjointed on the ice. There's pretty audible rumblings of culture issues among the players in New York, which could also be equally to blame for some of the on ice issues we're seeing if players aren't buying in.

There's an obvious need for a little more finishing, and while no one wants to see PWHL Ottawa finish last overall, it's hard not to envision Sarah Fillier centering Ottawa's top line in the future. On the back end, Ottawa is mobile and talented, but they could add a little more of a shut down presence alongside Zoe Boyd. Finally, there is some concern over goaltending depth. Ottawa is likely one of the teams in the league who could be looking for someone to push Emerance Machmeyer. If there is one specific need though, a top line forward like Sarah Fillier or Hannah Bilka is the answer.

It's unsustainable for PWHL Toronto to continue playing Jocelyne Larocque and Renata Fast as much as they are. Kali Flanagan is a good number three, and Allie Munroe remains valuable. Toronto will certainly be looking for at least a pair of upgrades on the back end via the draft or free agency. A single injury do any of Toronto's top three defenders at any point this season could be catastrophic to their campaign. Goaltending depth is another point that Toronto will need to address this offseason, or they could look to make a move acquiring a goalie from another club if the playoff picture has come into view by the March 17/18 deadline.