Cannons LC: Invest in the Defense
Last year, the Cannons gave up and average of 14 scores against per game, which was worst in the league. They have the best offensive player in the world in Lyle Thompson and have already invested in their offense by trading for Matt Kavanagh. It’s time to invest in their defense.
The Cannons, who like the Atlas, are also in the middle of a coaching search after Sean Quirk stepped down this past fall. Whoever takes over from Quirk will be tasked with not only potentially re-signing Nick Marrocco (who is set to be a free agent this March), but also fortifying a defense that could be without Brodie Merrill soon.
While Jake Pulver and Jack Kielty were staples of the Cannons defense in 2022, the third spot on defense was a revolving door each week. A consistent trio will go a long way in improving the defense’s chemistry next season, but the Cannons may need to look outside this current roster for that third pole. Whether it’s Marrocco, Colin Kirst or someone else starting between the pipes this summer, I think the best way for the Cannons to build up their defense is by drafting another young defender or two. Yet, they might have to trade up to do so.
Gavin Adler from Cornell and Will Bowen from Georgetown are two very talented poles who I think are first round talents. During last year’s draft, the Cannons traded their first round pick in the 2023 PLL College Draft for picks that became Bubba Fairman and Kirst, so they will most likely need to trade into the first round to get those guys. If they can’t trade up, I think going after a defender like Cade Van Raaphorst in free agency will be a necessity.
