Boston Fleet acquire Jill Saulnier from New York Sirens for Taylor Girard
We have us another trade in the PWHL!
Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News was the first to report on Monday night that the Boston Fleet has acquired forward Jill Saulnier from the New York Sirens. In exchange, the Fleet is receiving forward Taylor Girard.
The deal is one-for-one. It would be the first-ever trade the Sirens have partaken in during their history.
Both players have struggled so far this season, with both players having issues staying in the lineup. Granted, Saulnier missed almost four weeks after suffering an upper-body injury during the team’s first game of the season. However, in the four games she has played since her return, Saulnier hasn’t done much in her limited action, failing to register a point while averaging around seven minutes of ice time per game.
The former Canadian National Team member hasn’t put her name on the scoresheet since last season, in which she played just 18 games due to other injury woes.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jill Saulnier to the Boston Fleet,” Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer said. “Jill has achieved so much in her hockey career…and she brings a level of competitiveness and grit that will elevate our team on the ice. Beyond her skill, Jill’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in our locker room.”
For Girard, a player who came into the league’s second season excited to be at a full bill of health after a lower-body injury last spring ended her season prematurely, she hasn’t been able to find the same level of production she had in year one. In five appearances, the 26-year-old hasn’t posted a point while registering close to 8:20 of ice time per contest. Girard was last in the Boston lineup on Jan. 8 against the Minnesota Frost.
During the team’s inaugural season, Girard scored four goals and two assists for six points in 23 games.
“Adding Taylor to our roster brings not only a teammate who aligns perfectly with our organization’s values,” Sirens GM Pascal Daoust said. ” but also a player whose physicality and disciplined approach to her role make her a valuable asset in a league where every inch of the ice is a hard-fought battle.”
While this deal seems pretty mundane compared to the blockbuster that we saw earlier this season between the Toronto Sceptres and Ottawa Charge, a change of scenery for both players could be beneficial. For Girard, a depth role on a rising team like the Sirens might give more of an opportunity to showcase her abilities, while Saulnier will bring more experience to a Boston team still trying to find some consistency in search of a playoff spot.
The first time the two players will get a chance to play against their former teams will be on Jan. 31 in Lowell.
The Fleet (2-2-2-4) is fifth in the PWHL, two points back of the Charge for the last playoff spot, while the Sirens (3-3-1-3) are third, five points back of the first-place Montreal Victoire.