A Sarah Fillier contact is imminent. What will be the terms? And why has it taken so long? What are the main sticking points? And could it lead to a trade? Here's what we're hearing.

With less than two weeks remaining before PWHL training camps open, a deal remains in the wings for Sarah Filler with the New York Sirens.  

Reports emerged recently stating Fillier and the New York Sirens would be signing a one- or two-year deal this week. While it's likely to happen, at the time of the report, the two sides had not spoken in a week. It's likely the report was a tactical approach from one side or the other. 

With time ticking away, it looks more and more like any deal signed will be a one-year agreement. That way Fillier can get on the ice and begin her PWHL career, and the two sides can try again next offseason. Fillier is one of the most anticipated prospects to join the league to date, and is a beloved member of Canada's national team by fans and teammates alike.

What are the sticking points?

Money has seemingly been the smallest component of this negotiation. The financial terms of the deal have changed a few times this offseason as other top picks from the 2024 draft signed their own contracts. Similarly, a variety off offers have gone on and off the table with more or less money attached based on term. 

And term has been the biggest impasse from day one. New York wants to secure Fillier as part of their organization for three years. On the other side of the coin, as more money continues to become available, and more options for markets that players could choose emerge through expansion, shorter term contracts have been the preferred option for some players, including fellow first round picks Claire Thompson and Julia Gosling. These players are looking at the near future knowing opportunities that don't exist now, soon will. Conversely, Hannah Bilka, Danielle Serdachny, and Cayla Barnes, the remainder of the first round, signed three-year deals. 

While New York wants Fillier on the ice, and Fillier certainly wants to be playing, a league level source stated that the PWHL would not intervene if a contract could not be reached.

The impasse that exists has not changed in months. During pre-draft interviews it was a common question from PWHL teams to inquire on the contract intent of potential first and second round picks, probing to discover whether players would be willing to sign three-year contracts. New York seems to have made their stance clear that a three-year deal is what they wanted, while Fillier's team has expressed her right to listen to and consider all options in order to find the best fit for herself as a person and player.

Where are things now?

Currently, no deal is done, and there is no timeline for when it will be done. It could happen tonight or tomorrow, or this situation could play out until the eve of training camp or beyond. There have been long periods of silence between the sides throughout the offseason, and so far, no one has blinked. 

The New York Sirens could not be happy with the league's timing of leaking possible expansion, as it may have cemented the idea that Fillier will test the market as soon as possible. With two new teams potentially entering the fold, it will create an additional $3 million in annual salary to go around. 

At the moment, there is no deal, but it's highly likely the two sides will agree soon, as everyone understands it's in Fillier's best interest to be on the ice when camp opens. 

But...

Could it lead to a trade?

There are no winners in this situation at the moment. Sarah Fillier has been clear from day one that it's been her dream to play in the PWHL, and she feels honored to have been selected by New York. At the same time, New York will now have the responsibility of smoothing things over, and making her fall in love with the market and team culture to keep her beyond next season.

If New York knows Fillier is going to test the market, it could spark trade talks across the league, especially at a time when Fillier's cap hit will be greatly restricted by available funds.

It's doubtful New York would trade her during the coming season as there's a definite chance Fillier falls in love with New York and wants to stay. After all, she spent the past four years in New Jersey at Princeton only a short drive from the Sirens' new home in Newark. If that's not the case, or negotiations open next offseason as they're ending this offseason, a trade before next year could become a reality. New York would get a strong return for Fillier, even if the other team knows it's potentially only for a single season and an exclusive chance to re-sign her. 

If this negotiation is any indication, the New York Sirens might have their hand forced next year to send Fillier elsewhere if they don't want to lose the value they gained by picking first overall in 2024.

When Fillier does step on the ice, she'll instantly become a fan favorite for her play, and her off ice personality, which has won fans over through her time in the NCAA and as a star for Team Canada. And once the deal is done, this will all be in the past, at least for this season.

Until then, all PWHL fans can do is wait and hope.