BREAKING: Boston Acquires Adzija, Lonergan for Darkangelo

Boston made a move right at the PWHL’s trade deadline this afternoon, trading forward Shiann Darkangelo to Ottawa for forward Lexie Adzija and the rights to Caitrin Lonergan.

Darkangelo, 30, has appeared in 17 games for Boston this season while notching one assist in a bottom-six role. Before the PWHL, Darkangelo spent the past three seasons with the PHF’s Toronto Six, serving as captain all three years. In those three seasons, she produced 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points in 50 games. After her college career at Syracuse and Quinnipiac ended, she also spent time with the PWHPA, Kunlun Red Star of the CWHL, and the Buffalo Beauts and Connecticut Whale of the then-NWHL. Darkangelo is on a one-year contract.

Adzija, 23, has appeared in 17 games for Ottawa this season and produced five goals and three assists. She started the season off on fire, with five points in her first five games, but has cooled off. Adzija came to the PWHL fresh off a solid five-year NCAA career with Quinnipiac University, producing 43 goals and 66 assists for 109 points in 151 games. She is on a one-year contract.

Finally, Lonergan, 26, was drafted 80th overall by PWHL Ottawa, but she is taking a year away from the game. However, it was a mutual decision, and both sides left the door open for her to return next season. A Roslindale, Massachusetts native, Lonergan spent last year with the PHF’s Connecticut Whale, where she produced ten goals and eight assists for 18 points in 23 games to go along with two assists in three playoff games. Before turning pro, Lonergan spent six seasons (although she only played in one game in 2019-20) in the NCAA, split between Boston College and Clarkson University. The two-time Patty Kazmaier finalist produced a whopping 90 goals and 124 assists for 214 points in 166 games.

Analysis

Overall, this trade feels like a big win for Boston. Darkangelo wasn’t working out, be it due to her usage or other reasons, and they were able to get players with a ton of potential in return. Adzija showed early in the season that she can produce in this league if used correctly, and Boston desperately needs scoring help. Meanwhile, while Lonergan is not an addition for this season, it’d be a big boost if she signs with them next year. Her NCAA numbers are eye-popping, and as a Massachusetts native, Boston should be able to get her to sign. She is also a former teammate of Loren Gabel, which could boost Boston’s odds as well as create some instant chemistry should she choose to sign.

Frankly, it’s a bit surprising that Ottawa agreed to this trade, particularly given the standings, although I have to wonder if the fact that Ottawa has signed all three of the reserve players that Boston started the season with played into it a little bit. In short, this trade was certainly unexpected, but it already looks great for Boston and could easily keep getting better.