The Ultimate Christmas Wish List for Every PLL Team
12/24/2024 02:16 PM
The Ultimate Christmas Wish List for Every PLL Team
Christmas is here and while most people are making wish lists filled with gifts, PLL teams have their own Christmas dreams. Whether it's a shot at redemption, finding new talent, or just hoping for some stability, every team is asking Santa for something to give them an edge in 2025. Here's a breakdown of what each PLL team should be wishing for this holiday season.
Utah Archers: Three-Peat Champions
The Utah Archers are coming off back-to-back championships, and I'm sure they want to keep that trend going in 2025. There is no reason the Archers should slow down anytime soon. I've given Chris Bates his flowers over the years because I think he's the best coach in the PLL when it comes to draft decisions and roster management. He's built this roster to succeed for years to come, and as long as Tom Schreiber is still playing lacrosse, the Archers can win as many championships as they want. Archers fans should have a good Christmas regardless knowing the team is in good hands.
New York Atlas: Getting Over the Playoff Hump
The New York Atlas are far too talented to not win a title. The team has struggled to get over the quarterfinal hump, let alone secure a semifinal win. There's something inherently wrong that's leading to this team's lack of success in the postseason. The Atlas have been pretty consistent in the regular season outside of a disastrous 2023. If the Atlas are wishing for one thing this upcoming season, it's a postseason run that reflects their regular-season success.
Boston Cannons: Will Manny is HIM
Will Manny was cut last year in training camp by the Whipsnakes for an up-and-coming TJ Malone. He was picked up by the Boston Cannons but never suited up for game day. This was a weird situation since Manny had just led the Whips in points two years prior and has consistently been one of the top players in the PLL. Boston Cannons fans should be hopeful that Will Manny makes the game-day roster after signing a one-year deal over the summer. If Manny comes back playing like his usual self, the Cannons are going to be very scary next year.
Carolina Chaos: A New Team Identity
The departure of Andy Towers is going to hit the Chaos locker room hard. Sure, many Chaos fans are hoping the team brings in the right coach, but I'm more concerned about finding the right identity. The Chaos have played one of the most consistent brands of lacrosse since their debut in the league, but with Towers gone, what does that look like now? The team has struggled to be consistently effective on offense. It'll be interesting to see what a new coach does with this team.
Denver Outlaws: Newfound Experience
Plain and simple, the Denver Outlaws are a very young team. Yes, they have some veteran presence on the roster, but this team is one of the youngest squads in the league. Certain stars stepped up last year like Brennan O’Neill, but the team needs more experience. If I'm an Outlaws fan, I'm hoping this past season helped the team connect the dots and come together stronger in 2025 despite their age. Hopefully this Christmas Outlaws fans magically get a team with wisdom beyond their years.
California Redwoods: A New Team
I think the Redwoods are at a point where they just need to blow everything up. Something isn't working, and it's getting difficult to pinpoint where. The team finished the year with a -32 goal differential, which is atrocious. Sure, you can blame the defense, but this team has been in limbo for years now. I think the team needs to take risks, abandon ship, and bring in draft capital to create a new culture. If they don't do this for 2025, I fear they'll stay in limbo. I'm not sure what Redwoods fans can even get excited about anymore. I know if I were a fan, my Christmas wish would be for a new team.
Philadelphia Waterdogs: Reset Button
Last year was really interesting for the Waterdogs. They had a sensational 2023 season, making it to the championship, and decided to sign everyone back for 2024. In my preseason prediction, I had this team making it to the championship again, but they had a disappointing 2-8 season. Part of this could be new head coach Bill Tierney adjusting to the professional game, but I think the Waterdogs just needed a reset. The year didn't go their way, but they still have the talent to succeed in 2025 with a soft reset.
Maryland Whipsnakes: Matt Brandau Pans Out
The Whipsnakes better hope that Matt Brandau pans out for them in 2025. It really seems like he's going to be the third starting attackman replacing Zed Williams. Getting rid of Zed Williams is a massive gamble, especially considering who they brought in to replace him. If I'm a Whipsnakes fan, I'm really hoping the team knows what they're doing and won't regret parting with Williams. If Brandau doesn't have a good year, I'm not sure the Whips can repeat the success they had in 2024.
