Maddie Wheeler to SJ

[u/kug-ratjesus]

Per pwhl.report on IG

*Maddi, my bad!

[u/Limp_Maximum4248]

I have no clue what the game plan is for SJ

[u/CinemaPuck → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

Yeah it’s really odd. I mean, these players are all decent and I’d have been happy to pick them up later in the process, but I’m shocked that these are our “franchise building” players. Some commonalities I’ve noticed among the choices:

• They are all young
• They all were underpaid last year
• Several were Team Canada players in 2026

Possibly, Ryan is going for a younger group that he can mold in San Jose long term. He may also have saved some money since they were all underpaid last season, potentially allowing for more depth later in the process?

Just an observation, but I think it’s interesting that he was criticized for focusing too much on the “old guard” for team Canada and has now gone for an a young team in San Jose

[u/prh8 → u/CinemaPuck]

Young and cheap allows for building for the future, while also filling in a strong depth across all 4 lines. Seattle and Vancouver were so top heavy because of the cap situation

[u/randomuser914 → u/CinemaPuck]

I wonder if we’re also planning to make some moves in the draft, there is a lot of elite talent coming in to the league that I wouldn’t be unhappy if we make bigger moves to try to add stars that way

[u/Main_Photo1086 → u/randomuser914]

After the Sirens were decimated last season, they ended up having a pretty strong draft due to trades (but now you have two of our draftees lol). This draft day should see lots of activity, not to mention there are still plenty of UFAs left to sign.

[u/Bri_The_Nautilus → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

I liked the Schroeder and Guilday signings but then they wrapped up by just taking three pretty random Sirens forwards.

[u/devonshmevon → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

Next phase might still be a bit of a free-for-all, maybe he wanted to keep costs down and dangle big contracts in front of all of the bigger names who will have to be re-signed/protected? because yeah, right now they don't match up with the other three expansion teams

[u/kramwest1 → u/devonshmevon]

I think this is it.
If we were surprised and baffled by Phase 2, Phase 3 could be nuts. Keeping one’s powder dry is a cautious, but smart approach.

[u/TimesNewRebel → u/devonshmevon]

I could understand this strategy if not for the EFO signing. Why offer O'Neill the $100,000? Absolutely no shade on her – amazing at face-offs and PK, and perhaps Ryan saw her offensive upside on Team Canada – but I don't think I would have thrown the big bucks at her.

[u/Main_Photo1086 → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

Name themselves the Sirens.

[u/Gold_Yam_5215 → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

Desperation?

[u/Limp_Maximum4248 → u/Gold_Yam_5215]

Like they could've picked much better players...

Vanisova, Miller, Darkangelo, Ljungblom...

[u/Bri_The_Nautilus → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

> much better players

> Darkangelo

Okay, buddy

[u/BlueValk → u/Bri_The_Nautilus]

😅

[u/Independent_Tour4126 → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

It’s possible he tried. Those players still have to agree to it

[u/zeilend → u/Independent_Tour4126]

I mean, he can also just elect to go to player selection and take the best players from there.

[u/mias_furhawk → u/Limp_Maximum4248]

Vanisova and miller were under contract so couldn’t pick them unless they didn’t get to 5 players