Mark Matthews
Despite his age (31) and overall average success in the field game (by the 2018 NLL MVP’s standards that is), Mark Matthews is still one of the best passers in the game. A standout in the NLL with the Saskatchewan Rush, Matthews is known to dazzle with highlight-worthy goals and improbable assists (sometimes by using only one hand). Matthews made an impact on the 2019 Atlanta Blaze offense that ranked best in MLL history, and he ranked second in assists per game on the Barrage last season behind Tommy Palasek (we’ll get to him soon).
While there are several teams that could use the lefty’s services, the Cannons appear as the most likely (even if they add another lefty in Mark Cockerton). The Whips could also use a strong lefty on their roster and Matthews could also thrive in the Archers pairs offense if they decide to add yet another offensive weapon.
Potential Teams: Cannons, Archers, Whipsnakes
Dylan Molloy
Dylan Molloy was set to play for the Redwoods in the PLL’s inaugural season, before deciding to stay in the MLL. After looking over the rosters post-Entry Draft, Molloy seems like a great fit for Chaos LC. Adding Molloy’s dodging ability to an offense that got things cooking down the stretch in the bubble would make any defense nervous. The 2016 Tewaaraton winner recorded over 128 points in his first three seasons in the MLL. Any team could use that offensive output.
Another Brown grad and Molloy’s former teammate, Larken Kemp thinks he should have gotten a look in the PLL Entry Draft. We do as well. It just so happens that we think his next shot will be to play for another guy who suited up for Brown in Coach Andy Towers.
Potential teams: Chaos, Atlas
Brian Phipps
Brian Phipps to the Whips is so perfect that it even rhymes. The former Maryland goaltender has history with a few of the older Terps on the roster, and the Whipsnakes are currently in need of a backup goaltender. Phipps is a proven netminder who would be a great fit behind Kyle Bernlohr and could seamlessly step up in the event of an injury to the defending champs’ franchise goalie.
Potential Teams: Whipsnakes, Redwoods, Atlas
Tommy Palasek
Tommy Palasek is just a year removed from finishing second in the MLL in points (63) in 2019. That’s the type of performance that demands a look from all eight PLL coaches. Of those coaches, I think Chris Bates and the Archers pull the trigger on the Syracuse alum. Yes, the Archers have an already potent attack, but what’s one more? Adding Palasek’s offensive presence and ability to distribute to an already loaded offense will have defenses spinning.
Potential Teams: Archers, Atlas
Kevin Reisman
While Kevin Reisman may not be seen as an upgrade on many teams, he has proven he can hang with the best of them. The faceoff specialist ranked second in faceoff percentage in the MLL last year and could be a depth add by the Archers, who lost Brendan Fowler to expansion, or Chaos, whose only faceoff specialist is currently the newly-acquired Max Adler.
Potential Teams: Archers, Chaos
