It was a pretty straightforward draft for the Fleet, who needed defense first and foremost. They were looking to fill holes in the roster and get versatile players to complement their core. This draft wasn't anything earth-shattering, but it was solid and should put Boston in a good position heading into the season.
Draft Picks
Round #1: Haley Winn (D), 2003, (#2 overall) – There was no doubt about what Boston was going to do with this pick. Winn is a great two-way defender. She might be most known for her offensive prowess (she led Clarkson in points last season from the blue line) but she doesn't give up anything in her defensive game by being so offensive-minded. She's quick and smart, good at reading the play, angling players to the edges and isn't risky with the puck. She'll stretch out the Fleet's game and in doing so will give the forwards more room to work, as well.
Round #2: Ella Huber (F), 2002, (#10 overall) – She isn't going to be the star, but she's very, very good at complementing and assisting the stars she plays with. She's a hard worker, sees plays develop and is great at knowing what those around her are going to do and not just reacting, but keeping up with it. I think she'll thrive in a supporting role while putting up regular points and offering another option in the faceoff circle.
Round #3: Olivia Mobley (F), 2001, (#18 overall) – With a lot of movement throughout her college career, she's shown adaptability and ability to play in different systems and with different players. There seems to be a desire to keep improving and in every program, she showed scoring prowess. She'll give a break to the top lines, still provide points and help stretch the depth of this offense across the line sheet.
Round #4: Riley Brengman (D), 2002, (#26 overall) – Maybe a bit of a stretch taking her early in the third, but Boston needed defense and Brengman is a trusted, successful leader who anchored a top-tier team and stepped up after a big graduating class left last season. She won't be puck handling around folks, but she will be calm, win the puck and start the breakout.
Round #5: Abby Newhook (F), 2002, (#34 overall) – This was probably a bit of a steal in the fifth round and a smart grab from Danielle Marmer. A Boston College product, she's got a built in fan base. She's a player that I don't think was shown to her advantage with the Eagles and who I expect to take at least one, but possibly several steps as she's surrounded by higher level talent. I like how she thinks the game and she adds an option not just at even strength, but on special teams as well. I'm confident in saying she'll make a good pro player and a part of me thinks she could be a breakout star that way exceeds expectations.
Round #6: Amanda Thiele (G), 2002 (#42 overall) – Thiele was inconsistent throughout her collegiate career, but I think this is a pretty good pick up in the final round. She won the starting job and took her team to a national title as a rookie, but then lost the net in subsequent seasons before taking over again full time. Rebounds can be a big issue, but there's an effective chaos to her that I think she can learn to harness more playing behind and learning from Aerin Frankel.
Takeaways
The biggest need was at defense and it was so sure that they were taking Winn that New York was able to strategize and make a trade knowing based on the move. I think they didn't waver from their plan, got what they needed and ended up with a list of players that (other than Winn) might not be the flashiest but should all log minutes in the league this season. As the league progresses I think we're going to see more draft classes like this as well as more teams looking to build out their roster with younger players.
That being said, particularly writing this on the heels of talking about all the moves and possibilities for New York, this group is a little uninspiring. This is a more-than-serviceable group that projects with a high ceiling and should complement the players they already have, but I'm not sure how many different ways to say that or how to make it sound more exciting.
With the second pick in each round, I think the Fleet front office got the players they wanted because I didn't think there were too many surprises or reaches on the draft overall. These are, more or less, the players they wanted and believe are the right players to make things come together. I believe Marmer when she said she drafted to fill holes and find players she thought could slot in right away. At least to start, these are players that will give the rest of the roster time to breathe, be responsible with the puck and help elevate those around them. That might not be the thing that gets fans hyped at the moment, but it's important and necessary.
Quoteable
"This was a very exciting night for us original six teams. It has been quite the month with expansion and the player signing window. It feels really nice to put some players into positions on our team and fill some holes that we needed to fill. I feel like we have a pretty complete roster as we head into the offseason and get ready to come back to training camp.” - GM Danielle Marmer
"I really see this draft as specifically trying to fill holes as opposed to just going for the best available. All of these players can play a role on our team right now." - Marmer
"Haley is a complete player. She can take some of the load from Megan Keller. She can do anything and everything for us. Haley Winn is the answer to a lot of questions. She can do so much for us. She is such a smart hockey player." - Marmer
"(I was) wildly surprised about (Abby Newhook still being available in the 5th round). She is a high-skill player. She competes and is a workhorse. I think her game will be elevated by playing with elite players. She’s going to be a surprise. People are going to be surprised by what she can do in this league." - Marmer
"I'm excited to get started and own my role. Whatever they need from me I'm happy and willing to bring." - Haley Winn
"I'm a versatile player. I would say they can put me in any role and I will do that for them to the best of my ability. I like to use my speed." - Ella Huber
"Using my best attribute to my ability, which is my speed. So just being a steady, consistent defender, being super reliable and allowing the coach to know what they're going to get from me each and every time I step out there." - Riley Brengman
"This is a dream come true. I've always wanted to be in Boston. Play in Boston. Be a part of the Fleet. Now it is becoming a reality." - Abby Newhook
"I would consider myself a two-way player. I'm definitely very physical on the puck, and I would say that I'm able to make decisions under pressure and hold on to the puck under pressure." - Newhook
Current Roster
(listed with the amount of years remaining on their current contract)
Forwards:
Liz Schepers - 2
Alina Müller - 1
Jamie Lee Rattray - 1
Susana Tapani - 1
Hannah Brandt - 1
Theresa Schafzahl - 1
Sophie Shirley - 1
Jill Saulnier - 1
Chloe Aurard - 1
Laura Kluge - 1
*Shay Maloney is a currently unsigned restricted free agent
Defense:
Daniela Pejšová - 2
Megan Keller - 1
Zoe Boyd - 1
Rylind Mackinnon - 1
Hadley Hartmetz - 1
Goalies:
Aerin Frankel - 1
Abbey Levy - 1
(Photo: PWHL)