PWHL Boston Makes a Deadline Trade for Playoff Push

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This past Monday, the PWHL trade deadline came and went. PWHL Boston took advantage to add some depth to their roster with seven games left in the regular season. What could be considered a little strange is, the team they made a deal with. PWHL Ottawa and Boston are separated by one point in the standings, with PWHL Boston having the edge. Despite the closeness of the two teams, they made a trade on Monday afternoon.

PWHL Boston sent forward Shiann Darkangelo to PWHL Ottawa in exchange for forward Lexie Adzija and the rights to Caitrin Lonergan. PWHL Boston has had some difficulties finding the back of the net during the first season of this league. Adzija, with her five goals while playing for PWHL Ottawa, now becomes the leading goal scorer for PWHL Boston. Her eight total points have her tied for fourth most on the team. The 23-year-old from St.Thomas, ON. was an eleventh-round draft pick of PWHL Ottawa and signed a one-year deal with the team. Her five goals and three assists were acquired in 17 games played. Adzija spent her entire college career of five years at Quinnipiac University where she was co-captain of the 2022-23 team. The general manager of PWHL Boston, Danielle Marmer, may have been familiar with her game since both went to the same college.

The wildcard in this trade may be Caitrin Longergan. Why? Because after being drafted in the fourteenth round by PWHL Ottawa she decided not to sign with the team. The 26-year-old out of Rosindale, MA. is a two-time Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist. The first time was in 2017-18 while at Boston College. The second time was in 2020-21 while at Clarkson University. Lonergan has some pro hockey experience having played for the Connecticut Whale of the PHF in 2022-23 where she played 23 games and had 18 points.

PWHL Boston parted ways with Shiann Darkangelo who played in 17 games as a forward for PWHL Boston. She recorded one assist in those 17 games. She signed a one-year deal with the team. The 30-year-old is from Brighton, MA. Before playing in the PWHL, Darkangelo played eight seasons, including three with the PHF Toronto team. She was captain of that team for the three years she was with them. Her best season was in 2022-23, she had 25 points in 24 games. She led her team to the 2023 Isobel Cup Championship.

This is the second trade made by general manager Danielle Marmer this season for PWHL Boston. With the team in the thick of the race for the last playoff spot in the PWHL, trying to improve the team and get them into the playoffs made this trade worth the risk. If they can sign Lonergan for the stretch run of seven games, she can help bring some offense to a team that really needs it. This move may be looked back on as the one that got PWHL Boston over the hump and into the playoffs.