Analyzing PWHL Ottawa's Additions So Far

PWHL Ottawa has been the most active team during PWHL free agency thus far, working to secure their roster earlier than other teams in the league. It will come with positives, and perhaps negatives, heading into the offseason and training camp. Here's a look at Ottawa's moves.

Physical Forward Depth Has Been A Focus

Ottawa brought in Alexa Vasko and Rebecca Leslie from Toronto, and re-signed depth in Natalie Snodgrass and Shiann Darkangelo. It gives the team versatility down the lineup, with three of those players likely to make up Ottawa's fourth line, or potentially start as the team's 13th forward. The group has experience, adds a physical element, and oozes character. Of the group, Rebecca Leslie could emerge as a sneaky signing as she overproduced give her ice time finishing in the top 20 in league scoring when adjusted per 60 minutes of ice. Leslie was a top scorer during her NCAA career averaging 1.23 points per game, and scored 26 points in 27 CWHL games as a rookie with only Brianne Jenner and Rebecca Johnston above her, tying Brianna Decker for third in points on their Calgary roster. Give more ice in a scoring role, Leslie could become a potential break out player.

PWHL Ottawa Depth Chart

Abundance Of Defensive Help Coming

Blueline depth was an issue for PWHL Ottawa last season, but they have eight defenders in the organization at the moment, meaning one defender will not make the opening night roster. The addition of Ronja Savolainen will make the team harder to play against on the back end, and allows Ottawa to move Jincy Roese down the lineup after she struggled defensively last year. Stephanie Markowski and Madeline Wethington, two 2024 draft picks will compete for the final roster spot with Markowski holding the edge both based on being a right shot and the fact Ottawa picked her three rounds ahead of Wethington.

PWHL Ottawa Defensive Depth Chart

Behind the defenders, Ottawa signed Quinnipiac goaltender Logan Angers to a one year deal to help solidify their crease. It spells the end of Sandra Abstreiter's time in Ottawa as the team is set to enter the season with Emerance Maschmeyer, Gwyneth Philips, and Angers in net.

They Bought Themselves Offseason Cohesion...But

Ottawa has a team, and can focus on the players they have. Which means while other teams are looking to finalize rosters, Ottawa will be working on growing chemistry, and practicing systems heading into the year. But, it also risks a feeling of complacency heading into camp as players won't be fighting for as many positions as they are in other clubs, and Ottawa could risk missing out on free agent invites who could steal a spot as their roster appears, at least on paper, complete. General manager Mike Hirshfeld has shown he's willing to make moves to improve his roster, so if the chance arises, he'll likely do so again in camp, but Ottawa won't see the same competition level off the hop. If managed properly by coach Carla MacLeod, Ottawa could jump out to a hot start compared to other teams who will feel out their lineups. Ottawa is certainly improved from the team they were last year. Did they improve as much as other teams? Time will tell.