When Can We Expect Trade Talk To Begin In The PWHL

Trade talk will soon become a part of the PWHL, although there are a number of considerations and limitations that may alter the type of trades we see.

As the inaugural PWHL season continues and the pecking order of teams becomes clearer, trade talk will certainly begin. A number of factors will certainly play into trades, but the PWHLPA CBA clearly states in section 13.2 that "Teams shall have the right to trade Players unless otherwise provided in a Player’s SPA."

Also, in the early weeks of the season almost every general manager has uttered the word "trade" in an interview. 

Teams are starting to see their on-ice needs, and players are starting to see their role within each organization. Considering most players in the PWHL came from top six and top four roles with their previous teams, spending significant time on a fourth line or out of the lineup altogether may not be in the plans for some.

While the league has yet to announced an official "roster freeze date," which could be otherwise looked at as a trade deadline, when it becomes known, names will begin to circulate. Here's a look at some early PWHL trade considerations.

Certainly there were players selected in the PWHL draft who were shuffled out of markets they'd solidified themselves through college hockey, the PHF, coaching, or with family. Whether it was Bostonian's like Jillian Dempsey and Kali Flanagan heading North of the border, or Montreal's Jade Downie-Landry heading South to New York. Prior to the PWHL's draft, players had choice, which will continue to be a consideration until salaries climb to a liveable level for all players. While geography will certainly come into discussion for players looking for a change, it obviously needs to work on both sides, and ultimately won't dictate whether or not a general manager looking to improve their roster pulls the trigger.

Toronto needs more security in net. There is no point more evident league-wide than this. Availability however, is another point. In terms of third goaltenders in the league Lindsey Post would be an excellent addition. She's big and poised, and has proven she can play in the pro ranks. She looked strong in her preseason start, and has played a lot of hockey in recent seasons overseas. New York has no question marks in net, but it's unknown how teams will view the value of their goaltending depth. Minnesota's Amanda Leveille would certainly hold value to Toronto as a player who could immediately start and steal games. Leveille has been tied to Minnesota in many ways for years however, and a trade may not be in the cards, but with four goaltenders under contract in Minnesota, they have room to deal. Montreal's Marlène Boissonnault may not be a massive upgrade, but could also be worth the risk. 

Other teams, like New York, who have been dealt some injuries may look for smaller tweaks. Particularly for New York, there seems to be a need for a shutdown presence, whether it's a defensive defender or a checking line player who can help clean up their play. Montreal may also look for a defender as the season goes on. Minnesota has spoken about examining the trade market, and although their blueline has played well, it was a concern heading into the year, and a spot they may look to add if they plan to win a title.

Presumably each player on a three-year contract has a no trade clause built in, but the league's decision to conceal contract terms, both conditions and financial, will certainly lead to unwanted speculation as media coverage and fandom grows. With league mandated requirements for certain contracts, the most readily available players on any trade market will likely be players on one-year contracts. Similarly, with all teams mandated to stay within 10% of a $55,000 average salary, any trade will need to include a dollar in dollar out consideration as no team can sit well below the salary cap and take on contracts like the NHL. Similarly, 23-player rosters are required, so multi-player trades would need to be player for player unless a team signed one of their reserve players to remain compliant.

If you're trading a player to the opposite conference in a 32 team NHL, the impact on your own team will be reduced. If you're making a trade in the six team PWHL, there's a chance you could see that player numerous times, and with four of six teams making the playoffs, every trade will have greater importance. Don't expect teams to help anyone with a rental unless they're sure the playoffs aren't in their future. Given the parity across the league, any team could technically win a best 3-of-5 playoff series, and that may also give GMs reason for pause before finalizing deals.

Speaking to general managers across the league, trades seem likely, at some point. Teams won't be moving on from their current rosters unless a player requests a move, or injury makes an addition necessary. No one in the league should expect a blockbuster involving a superstar, but like championship level teams in other leagues, as playoffs get closer, some teams will go looking for depth, or role players who can fill specific needs. That could also include secondary scoring. 

Until the PWHL announced when the roster freeze date will be, knowing when this topic will heat up is a guessing game, but don't expect every general manager to wait that long before they start working the phones.