Looming expansion, close standings made for a quiet PWHL trade deadline
The PWHL’s sole trade on deadline day was a nail-biter, with Toronto Sceptres GM Gina Kingsbury finalizing a deal with Montreal Victoire GM Danièle Sauvageau just in time. The trade involved veteran forward Kaitlin Willoughby going to the Victoire in exchange for Swedish defender Anna Kjellbin.
Trades in the PWHL are rare due to the limitations on draft picks and prospects, making it challenging for GMs to make deals. With expansion looming and the tight standings, teams are hesitant to shake up their rosters too much. Every team is vying for a spot in the playoffs, with only four out of six teams making it to the postseason.
Despite the constraints, Kingsbury and Sauvageau were able to come to an agreement that benefited both teams. Willoughby brings experience and depth to Montreal’s forward group, while Kjellbin adds defensive depth to Toronto’s lineup.
The Ottawa Charge, who made a significant trade in December, did not make any moves at the deadline. They did, however, sign goaltender Lucy Morgan off the Minnesota Frost’s reserve list. With starting goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer on long-term injury reserve, Ottawa will rely on rookies Gwyneth Philips and Logan Angers to hold down the fort in net.
Ottawa is currently in fifth place, looking to secure a playoff spot with eight games left in the season. GM Mike Hirshfeld expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete and battle for a postseason berth.
As the season winds down and the playoff race heats up, teams are focused on making the most of their rosters and positioning themselves for a strong finish. With uncertainty surrounding the expansion draft and the tight standings, every game matters as teams jockey for playoff positioning and a shot at the Walter Cup.
