Assessing Team Needs Ahead of the PWHL Trade Deadline
As the PWHL trade deadline approaches on March 13, teams are considering strategic moves to bolster their rosters. While the December trade that sent Jocelyne Larocque and Victoria Bach to Ottawa in exchange for Hayley Scamurra and Savannah Harmon made headlines, the coming weeks are expected to bring fresh activity. Let’s explore the pressing needs of each team and potential strategies as they gear up for the deadline.
Montreal Victoire’s Quest for Depth
Currently leading the league with a record of 10-6-1-5, the Montreal Victoire have established themselves as formidable contenders, largely thanks to the contributions of stars like Marie-Philip Poulin and Ann-Renée Desbiens. However, the recent stretch of games has exposed a vulnerability in their roster: the need for a reliable bottom-nine center. With Alexandra Labelle on long-term injured reserve, the team has faced challenges in maintaining offensive balance.
Kristin O’Neill, known for her two-way play, has struggled to produce offensively, and the team has become overly reliant on their top line. To remedy this, acquiring a depth center could provide the necessary reinforcement that allows the Victoire to return to their balanced scoring approach, ensuring they remain competitive as the playoffs approach.
Toronto Sceptres: Injuries and Defensive Needs
The Toronto Sceptres are grappling with injury woes that have hindered their performance. With key players like Natalie Spooner and Sarah Nurse sidelined, the team has yet to field its optimal lineup this season. However, as the roster inches closer to full strength, the focus should shift to enhancing defensive capabilities.
Despite having the league’s leading scoring defenseman, Renata Fast, the Sceptres’ offensive production from the blue line declines sharply after her. The team needs to seek out a puck-moving defenseman to complement Fast and enrich the overall scoring potential from the back end. A trade to acquire a dynamic defender could be the key to transforming their defense into a more versatile unit capable of supporting the forward group.
Boston Fleet: Supporting Their Star Goalie
For the Boston Fleet, the path toward another deep playoff run hinges on providing Aerin Frankel with adequate support. Frankel has been outstanding in goal, boasting a .930 save percentage and a 2.01 goals-against average. However, the team’s reliance on her has highlighted a pressing need for both defensive stability and offensive depth.
While defensive reinforcements could help, the Fleet should also consider adding a forward to enhance their scoring capabilities. The team has seen fluctuations in offensive output, particularly against stronger opponents. By acquiring a talented winger to complement emerging star Alina Müller, the Fleet could foster a more diversified offensive strategy that takes advantage of their elite goaltending.
Minnesota Frost: Balancing the Goaltending Load
The Minnesota Frost’s performance has fluctuated, recently returning to form after a challenging stretch. While Maddie Rooney has emerged as a reliable goaltender, the inconsistency of her backup, Nicole Hensley, has raised concerns. To ensure a balanced workload and maintain momentum as they head into the playoffs, the Frost should consider adding goaltending depth.
Furthermore, the Frost’s power play has struggled, converting at less than 17 percent. Strengthening this aspect of their game with a specialist could significantly enhance their effectiveness during crucial moments. By addressing these areas, Minnesota could solidify its playoff positioning and improve its chances for success.
Ottawa Charge: Seeking Offensive Enhancements
The Ottawa Charge have shown a willingness to shake things up, evidenced by their earlier trades this season. With Emerance Maschmeyer performing admirably in goal, the team now needs to focus on enhancing its offensive capabilities.
Danielle Serdachny has yet to make a significant impact, and management should explore options to maximize her potential. Whether that involves pairing her with a skilled passer or acquiring a shoot-first winger, the goal should be to inject creativity into their offensive play. Strengthening their forward ranks will be crucial, regardless of whether they make the playoffs.
New York Sirens: Rebuilding for the Future
After a challenging season, the New York Sirens find themselves in a precarious position, with playoff hopes dwindling. As they look to the future, management should prioritize retooling the roster. This means being open to trading players outside their core, including potential candidates like Aurard and Giguère.
Addressing their goal-scoring woes is paramount, given that the team currently averages only 2.33 goals per game. By seeking out underutilized forwards who can reinvigorate the middle six, the Sirens can begin to lay the groundwork for a more competitive future, even as they face the challenges of the current season.
In summary, as the PWHL’s trade deadline approaches, each team has unique needs and strategies to consider. From bolstering depth to enhancing scoring capabilities, the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly impact their playoff trajectories. Teams that successfully navigate these trades will position themselves for a stronger finish to the season and beyond.