By: Kelsea Durham | Follow me on Twitter/X @kelseadurham
As we enter the quiet portion of the PWHL Offseason, it marks the perfect time to take a look at the Boston Fleet’s front office and grade their performance. We will look at decisions made in PWHL expansion as well as the draft and grade them on the American Grading System (A through F) based on how well the decision is for the teams’ success.
Between navigating expansion roster rules, evaluating which players to protect, managing free agency, and adding new talent through the draft, every decision carried significant weight for both the short-term and long-term success of the organization.
Susanna Tapani – Grade: A
Re-signing Susanna Tapani was arguably the Boston Fleet’s most important move of the offseason. Tapani has established herself as one of the team’s most impactful forwards, consistently producing while bringing elite skating, and international experience to the lineup ever since her arrival in the inaugural season. She can play in all situations, whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or in late-game situations, making her one of Boston’s most valuable players.
Ella Huber – Grade: A-
Rather than losing Ella Huber in expansion, Boston found a way to bring her back through a trade with Detroit during expansion in a pick-and-trade. Huber already knows the organization and showed enough promise in her rookie season, making her a priority.
Jill Saulnier – Grade: B+
Bringing back Jill Saulnier adds valuable veteran leadership and depth to the forward group. While she may not be expected to produce at a top-line level every night, her experience, and locker room presence remain valuable assets. This signing helps maintain the team’s culture while providing dependable depth throughout the lineup.
Sophie Shirley – Grade: B
Sophie Shirley returns for more after showing she can provide speed and energy in Boston’s lineup. The Fleet rewarded her with a two-year contract, confident that she can continue developing into a reliable option.
Olivia Mobley – Grade: A-
Re-signing Olivia Mobley was an easy decision after an impressive rookie campaign was cut short by injury. Before landing on long-term injured reserve, Mobley recorded five points in just ten games and returned for the playoffs. At only 24 years old, she remains one of Boston’s most intriguing young forwards and could take a significant step forward with a full healthy season.
Amanda Thiele – Grade: B+
Amanda Thiele proved she belongs in the PWHL after making the most of her opportunity late last season. She earned Boston’s trust in a crucial regular-season start and provides the Fleet with a dependable backup behind MVP Aerin Frankel. Re-signing a young goaltender who already knows the organization gives Boston stability at hockey’s most important position.
Loren Gabel – Grade: A
Loren Gabel brings offensive IQ, speed, and experience to a forward group that lost key pieces during expansion. Keeping proven offensive talent in Boston was essential, and the Fleet accomplished exactly that. Her assets go beyond the scoresheet and she will continue to develop her game in Boston.
Laura Kluge – Grade: B+
Laura Kluge returns after bringing speed, offensive talent, and international experience to the Fleet lineup. Although injuries limited her season, she proved capable of playing important minutes in multiple situations. Re-signing Kluge maintains depth and versatility for Boston’s forwards.
Rylind MacKinnon – Grade: A-
Boston’s decision to re-sign defender Rylind MacKinnon provides important stability after expansion tore apart the team’s blue line. MacKinnon played in 28 regular-season games during her first season with the Fleet, bringing physicality and reliable defensive play. While she may not fill the scoresheet, retaining dependable defensive depth was an important priority.
Amanda Boulier – Grade: A
Amanda Boulier may be one of Boston’s most underrated additions this offseason. Fresh off winning the Walter Cup with Montréal, Boulier brings championship experience, composure, and veteran leadership to a defense that lost multiple players during expansion. She immediately strengthens Boston’s defensive depth and should play an important role on the blue line.
Taylor House – Grade: A-
Taylor House adds another dependable piece to Boston’s roster after spending the past two seasons with Ottawa. House brings versatility, responsible two-way play, and valuable PWHL experience, giving the Fleet another reliable option in their bottom six. While not the biggest signing of the offseason, she addresses Boston’s need for experienced depth following expansion
2026 PWHL Draft Class – Grade: A-
The Boston Fleet entered the 2026 PWHL Draft with a clear objective: restore organizational depth, particularly on the blue line. They selected defender Grace Dwyer with the 10th overall pick before adding fellow defender Leah Stecker in the second round and Maeve Kelly in the fifth, giving the organization three promising blueliners with strong collegiate resumes. Boston also added forwards Jaden Bogden and Jenna Goodwin, both bringing offensive talent, strong work ethics, and leadership experience. Rather than drafting solely for immediate needs, the Fleet balanced long-term development with their current needs. While it will take time to determine the full impact of the class, Boston addressed one of its biggest weaknesses.
Final Grade: A-
Overall, Boston’s front office navigated one of the most difficult offseasons remarkably well. Expansion forced the organization to make impossible decisions and ultimately cost the Fleet key contributors like Alina Muller. Rather than dwelling on those losses, the front office responded by keeping important veterans and adding a promising draft class that balances immediate depth with long-term potential.
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