Amanda Kessel Sees Her Only Goal as a Boston Player
Originally published by Mackenzie Meaney on Last Word On Sports | Last modified on June 15, 24
Three-time Olympian Amanda Kessel, who took a year off to train with the Pittsburgh Penguins, was selected 41st overall by PWHL Montreal in the PWHL Draft.
According to reports yesterday, Kessel is solely interested in playing with PWHL Boston. Boston was selected forty times. Kessel could have gone to Boston had he been an undrafted free agent, but he was two choices away from that status. Kessel will have to report to the team or be traded to her desired location by Montreal.
Why Did Boston Not Select Kessel Earlier?
Boston used their 40th choice to choose Hadley Hartmetz. She was an Ohio State defender who finished her three seasons as a Buckeye with 59 career points. Hartmetz is the most effective offensive defender among the Ohio State defensive prospects selected in this year’s draft.
Although Boston has the lowest scoring offense in the whole league, they are a strong defensive squad. It is hoped that having a talent such as Hartmetz would help them increase their offensive output.
It’s hard to compare Kessel and Hartmetz since they are two distinct players with different jobs to fill. Kessel is a seasoned player with years of experience in the league who might boost Boston’s scoring output. Nonetheless, it is more likely that a possible conflict of interest prevented her from being selected by the team.
Courtney Brichard-Kessel, Kessel’s head coach for Boston, is her sister-in-law. This would be the first time in the PWHL that a family member would be coaching another family member, despite the fact that dads and brothers have occasionally coached their sons and siblings in the NHL. Boston might not have wanted to take that chance, or they might not have seen how Kessel would fit into their team.
Kessel has to declare for the draft in order to sign a regular contract and play for any PWHL team. It was hoped she wouldn’t be picked up and could sign with Boston. However, she was taken off the board by Montreal, second to last.
Which Team Is Most in Need of Kessel?
Her competence, adaptability, and leadership potential might be useful to Montreal, starting with the squad that picked her. Kessel will definitely have an effect right away in Montreal as she has demonstrated throughout her career that she is a good player. Being selected so low, though, may suggest that Kessel isn’t used as a standout playe
r but rather as support for their present players.
Kessel would be an important member of the PWHL Toronto squad. Her and Cornell’s Izzy Daniel, a third-round selection this year, would provide Toronto with much-needed offensive help. Her seasoned presence would be beneficial to New York as they continue to iron out the problems. In an attempt to assist Team USA win a title, Boston may also employ her and reconnect her with colleagues Hilary Knight, Aerin Frankel, and Megan Keller.
Kessel must play for Montreal or put forward a trade request. She could completely refuse to play for the team that picked her, a la Eric Lindros or Cutter Gauthier, but it is more probable that one of those two things will occur. In exchange for Kessel, Montreal would need to get a substantial return in the form of players and draft selections. It will be thrilling to watch her back on the ice as she starts her comeback to hockey, no matter what city she is in.
