Top Veteran PHF Free Agents Still On The Market

Most veteran players on the PHF's free agency market have found a home, but some prominent names remain in negotiations with teams.

More than a month into the PHF offseason, and teams are starting to take shape. In particular, large chunks of Montreal, Boston, Metropolitan, and Minnesota have been announced. Connecticut, Toronto, and Buffalo have announced a handful of signings, but their rosters either still have a long way to go, or the organization still has many signings to announce.

While many of the remaining free agents from these teams, and others, are almost certain to return to their previous teams, there are a few notable free agents remaining who may not be returning to the same club as last season. 

Here's a look at the top remaining PHF free agents:

Allie Thunstrom - One of the best in the game, Thunstrom could contribute, and improve any roster in the PHF. After parting ways with Boston early in the offseason, Thunstrom remains on the market more than a month later. Her 18 points in 24 games last season with Boston kept the 35-year-old in the top 20 in league scoring. The veteran leader has no shortage of suitors, and is in control of her own destiny. She's a former league MVP, Isobel Cup champion, two-time Foundation Award winner, and All-Star who still has a lot to contribute.

Mikyla Grant-Mentis - One of the best scorers in the league, word started to circulate after Buffalo's glacially slow start to the offseason that MGM was shopping around. As rosters continue to fill, adding a player of Grant-Mentis' stature becomes more difficult, but the 24-year-old former league MVP is a star. There's still a good chance MGM returns to Buffalo...but she could also land just about anywhere else in the league.

Kelly Babstock - The belief is Babstock's ask was too rich for the Metropolitan Riveters budget, so it seems highly likely, unless the parties can get back to the table to talk, that Babstock will be playing elsewhere this season. Babstock has played for Connecticut and Buffalo in the past, and neither of those teams are out of the question. Perhaps Toronto looks to add the hometown player as a physical presence on their quest to repeat. 

Michaela Cava - All she does is win. In 2020-2021, Cava won an SDHL title with Lulea. In 2021-2022 it was a ZHL championship with the KRS Vanke Rays. Last year, her first full campaign in the PHF, Cava claimed an Isobel Cup title with the Toronto Six and was named playoff MVP. A veteran of professional women's hockey, Cava is a big game player who finds ways to contribute when the pressure builds, and that's an attribute teams covet....not to mention she scored at close to a point per game in the regular season.