Kavanagh to Denver in Blockbuster PLL Trade
11/14/2024 09:07 AM
Kavanagh to Denver in Blockbuster PLL Trade
The big news last Thursday was that the Boston Cannons traded Pat Kavanagh to the Denver Outlaws. Boston receives Denver’s third overall pick in the 2025 collegiate draft and a 2026 second rounder in exchange for the right-handed attackman.
Kavanagh won the 2024 Tewaaraton Award, while leading Notre Dame to back-to-back NCAA Championships. His rookie season was muted by availability and offensive fit, only playing in six regular season games. He ran shifts out of the box as a midfielder while accumulating 12 points (8G, 4A) for the Cannons (7-3). Boston lost 8-4 in the quarterfinals to Carolina.
This is a sensible trade for Boston. "They probably realized his skill set didn’t fit on field with their existing talent. He plays the same position as Asher Nolting. Pat needs to play attack where he can make plays in the grey and be on the field the entire game,” said ESPN analyst Paul Carcaterra.
Kavanagh did not appear comfortable running out of the box as a midfielder. Much of his best work occurs during the non-scripted portion of the action – whether it be ground balls, ride-backs or making a play in transition, Kavanagh was best in South Bend during unconventional flurries. His grit and scrappiness are skills that often mine goal scoring chances from scramble situations. Last summer's experiment at midfield failed. When you're worried about subbing off the field after a turnover, that ability to create second chances and be a menace is diminished.
Plus, I got the feeling covering five PLL weekends in person that Kavanagh was never quite right physically, not 100% after a grueling 17 game college season. A (16-1) spring where he averaged 4.7 points per game.
Kavanagh joins attackmen Brennan O'Neil, Eric Law and Josh Zawada in the Mile High City for coach Tim Soudan.
"Pat playing on the same line as elder statesmen Eric Law – who's impact on the stat sheet was felt but more so his leadership and how Eric took pressure off Brennan when he arrived in Denver," said ESPN's Dana Boyle.
"Law's ability to adapt his game and play a utility role or main character should allow Pat to play to his strengths," she added.
It'll be fascinating to track Denver's chemistry on attack.
Hindsight points out that the Cannons should have picked lefty TJ Malone in the collegiate draft at #3. The rookie of the year inexplicably dropped down to #17 on draft night. But now, to their credit Boston gets equal draft value for Kavanagh plus some (2026 2nd rounder) in return for the Fighting Irish alum.
Boston coach Brian Holman must address their left-handed attack spot. Cornell's CJ Kirst and Princeton Coulter Mackesy are two southpaws that are universally projected as first rounders in 2025.
The Cannons have not been able to feast on new talent during the last two drafts – that changes in 2025 and 2026 where they currently own 6 of the top 18 picks.
The 2025 draft, right now appears as if it's not as deep as the historical class of 2024. It's a tough act to follow. The proven depth and production from the 2024 rookie class will never be matched – barring another pandemic.
The 2025 draft class has hidden gems at some mid-major programs – great players who tend to fly under the radar outside of the ACC and B10.
As we dive into the off season, it's time to reflect and look at general team needs for 2025.
Philadelphia Waterdogs – (2-8) forgettable debut season for coach Bill Tierney and I would expect the veteran coach to overhaul the roster in his image. The Waterdogs could use some midfield punch and might look at the LSM and goalie positions.
Maryland Whipsnakes – 12-8 loss in the finals capped off a summer of restructuring for coach Jim Stagnitta. The Whips went with a youth movement, and it paid off. I think they can upgrade their SSDM position.
New York Atlas – The offense was scintillating with Jeff Teat and company. Coach Mike Pressler should be looking at the best available player and I wouldn't be shocked if the Atlas traded away some of their offensive surplus or lost some players to free agency.
Utah Archers – Two-time champs can improve their LSM spot.
Denver Outlaws – (5-5) summer was a turnaround from 2023, and Denver did well with their rookie class. The defense is getting older with Mike Manley (36yo Duke 2012) and Jesse Bernhardt (34yo Maryland 2013) and that will have to be addressed. Their SSDM group can be augmented.
Carolina Chaos – (4-6) season was a defensive tour de force, but Carolina struggled by scoring a league worst 100 goals on just 43 assists. They need passers on offense and have a surplus of close defenders they may be shopping in exchange for offense.
California Redwoods – Disappointing (3-7) regular season in which the Woods surrendered a league high 136 goals against. They have multiple needs – more midfield playmaker's and passers, SSDM's and close defense would be where I'd start.
Free agency will be very intriguing. No contact is permitted between clubs and players until Feb 18. That's when the discussions and flirting begins through March 1. Teams can sign free agents starting March 3.
The PLL Championship Series in February gives coaches an opportunity to look at fringe personnel. When we turn the calendar to 2025, off-season personnel roster management becomes a storyline.
