Versatility Key On PWHL Rosters

As final roster decisions approach for the PWHL, versatility among players, including those who can switch positions, is a key consideration.

When injuries strike, or in game adjustments need to be made, versatility is a nice luxury to have. In the PWHL where there is no development league, and injuries could deplete the reserve pool quickly, versatility is more than a luxury, it's a necessity.

That's why multiple PWHL teams have experimented with players at different positions this week, and are already looking at options for how they can shift rosters when needed.

In Montreal, free agent invite Leah Lum has shifted between forward and defence. Last year with the PHF's Toronto Six Lum played forward, but at the World Championships with China, she played defence. She's done both with Montreal, but played on the blueline in Montreal's preseason win over Boston. Similarly, Montreal draft pick Dominika Laskova played forward for the Toronto Six last year, and defence at the World Championships for Czechia, and is now playing defence full-time for Montreal. If needed however, she could shift forward.

Those types of options are considerations across the league as teams look to build versatility into their rosters.

In Minnesota, general manager Natalie Darwitz alluded to similar scenarios. Facing a shortage of defenders in their system following Minttu Tuominen's choice to play in China this year, Darwitz said she still feels comfortable with the position within their team, as she believes players like Sophia Kunin, who made stints on the blueline in recent years in the PWHPA, and Susanna Tapani, could both shift to being defenders in a pinch. 

Those types of situations may not be the norm forever, but as final roster decisions come into picture, finding versatile players who can move up and down lineups, from center to wing or wing to center, or even from forward to the blueline will definitely play a factor.