Montreal hit empty on their fuel tank in the PWHL playoffs managing injuries, and watching their top line skate themselves into the ice to no avail. Coming back as the Montreal Victoire, the roster looks deeper, particularly on the blueline, and they should have renewed jump to their step. The potential loss of two draft picks in Abigail Boreen and Amanda Kessel hurts that depth, but not so much that Montreal can't find quality players as camp invites.
Who's not returning?
Melodie Daoust called it a career, going out as one of the best to play the game over the last decade. Also retiring was Brigitte Laganiere who took on a coaching role a Bourget College, which is also where Daoust coaches. Along with this duo, Madison Bizal won't be back on the blueline, and Jillian Dempsey is gone from the forward group as both have accepted camp invites elsewhere. The rest of this group who remains needing to earn a spot through camp, or may not be returning to Montreal at all include Sarah Bujold, Gabrielle David, Ann-Sophie Bettez, Sarah Lefort, Catherine Daoust, and Leah Lum.
Meet The Newcomers
Cayla Barnes was Montreal's first round pick at the 2024 Draft, and she'll make an immediate impact, but the biggest addition may be the last overall pick from the 2023 Draft, Lina Ljungblom. Both signed three-year contracts to stay in Montreal. Ljungblom joins as the top forward in Sweden, and she loves to play a physical game. Barnes, a member of Team USA, joins after winning a national title with Ohio State. Speaking of Ohio State, the only other newcomer signed to date is second round pick Jennifer Gardiner. Gardiner is on the verge of making Team Canada, and she was the foundation to the powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes as captain. She can play up and down the lineup and will add much needed depth.
Meet The Returning "Newcomers"
Montreal needs a special category for returning players. Between the nearly season long injuries to Dominika Laskova and Kennedy Marchment, and the late season additions of Mikyla Grant-Mentis and Amanda Boulier, this team has a group of returning players who will feel nearly new. Laskova and Marchment, if Marchment can return, in particular could make a significant change to the makeup of the Montreal Victoire.
Unsigned Draft Picks
What more can be said about Abigail Boreen and Amanda Kessel at this point. Kessel had no intention of playing anywhere in the PWHL outside of Boston. If nothing else, Daniele Sauvageau played a savvy wildcard with the pick that if Kessel isn't in their lineup, at least she won't be against their lineup either. No one can fault Sauvageau, who played her cards well, and followed the rules of engagement in the draft. That said, the waiting game for Abigail Boreen is concerning for Montreal after the team used a third round pick on her. Boreen was planning to be in Minnesota where she needs to be to finish her degree in pharmacy. Either she takes a pause from her education, or Sauvageau and Minnesota Frost GM Melissa Carusa make a deal. Outside of this pair, Anna Kjellbin, Dara Greig, and Anna Wilgren are Montreal's unsigned players. They have too many defenders, so something will need to give at the position unless Montreal intends to use Laskova as a forward, a postion she's played in the past.
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