The next big event for the Premier Lacrosse offseason in 2024 is free agency. Today marks the last day of the Open Discussion Period, when coaches can contact players who are on a deal that’s set to expire. On March 4th at noon ET, free agency and waivers officially open. It remains open until 2:00pm ET on the date of the draft, which the PLL hasn’t announced yet, but typically is in mid-late April.
Players in certain situations can test the market even if their current deal isn’t up yet. If a player was not on their club’s active roster for 30% of their eligible games last season, they can opt out of their deal and sign with a new team. The deadline for them to make that move is April 1st, and if they don’t get a new deal, they stay on their current deal with their current club. There are a handful of players who meet this designation every year.
Some teams have already made significant headway. Last year, the Cannons had a large chunk of the roster on deals that were set to expire. They have already extended and re-signed just about all of those players and as a result, have a roster with very few free agents left. The Redwoods had a similarly built roster, but they have not yet signed a lot of their players, so the list is a lot longer.
For each team, they also need to consider that the draft is going. They’ll need to hold open 3-4 roster spots on the 25 man roster to accommodate their new players. Rosters can be expanded to 30 players prior to camp before being cut down again, but it’s rare that drafted players don’t make that first 25.
Here’s a list of the remaining free agents for each team. Note that the Holdout List players are designated as such, and if their team activates them this year, they’ll also need to sign them to a new deal. This list is current as of writing on March 1st.
Boston Cannons
| Already Re-Signed or Extended | Pending Free Agents |
| Ryan Drenner, A/M | Mark McNeill, M |
| Chris Aslanian, M | Josh Stout (30% Exception), M |
| Pat Aslanian, M | Finn Sullivan, D |
| Craig Chick, LSM/D | Max Wayne, D |
| Cade Van Raaphorst, D | |
| Zach Goodrich, SSDM | |
| Adam Ghitelman, G | |
| Adam Charalambides, A | |
| Marcus Holman, A | |
| Matt Kavanagh, A | |
| Jeff Trainor, M |
The Cannons roster, to no surprise, seems eager to run it back. After a semifinal loss last season, Cannons head coach and GM Brian Holman got to work bringing back the core of the team. Only a few names are left on the list of pending free agents. Mark McNeill didn’t appear in a game for the Cannons in 2023. With their midfield unit already crowded, particularly at SSDM, McNeill may be the odd man out and looking for a new home in 2024.
Josh Stout also didn’t appear for the Cannons in 2023, but did play for them in the Championship Series. He doesn’t have to pursue free agency and given his positive relationship with Coach Holman, it seems unlikely he’d want to try and crack someone else’s roster. Finn Sullivan played sparingly for the Cannons last season. Max Wayne was a regular starter and has history with defensive coordinator Mikey Thompson, it would be a surprise to see him not return to Boston.
The Cannons could be in the market for faceoff help. The PLL adjusted faceoff rules so that poles may no longer take draws, meaning the strategy of Ethan Rall taking faceoffs and forcing the opponent into short, disorganized possessions won’t be available. The Cannons could look at 30% exception free agent Zach Cole from the Redwoods, Outlaw free agent Connor Farrell, or turn their eyes to the draft with names like Jake Naso and Tommy Burke available.
California Redwoods
| Already Re-Signed or Extended: | Remaining Free Agents: |
| Rob Pannell, A | Zach Cole, FO (30% Exception) |
| Charlie Bertrand, M | Isaiah Davis-Allen, SSDM |
| Ryan Kennedy, LSM | Anthony Demaio, A/M |
| Chris Merle, SSDM | Romar Dennis, M |
| Garrett Epple, D | |
| Ryder Garnsey, A | |
| Eddy Glazener, D | |
| Jules Heningburg, A/M | |
| Jack Kelly, G | |
| Ryan Lee, A (PUP List) | |
| Sergio Perkovic, M | |
| Clarke Petterson, A (Holdout List) | |
| John Piatelli, A | |
| Kevin Rogers, M | |
| John Sexton, LSM | |
| Ryan Tierney, A/M (Holdout List) | |
| Tim Troutner, G |
That’s a big list for the Redwoods. Some of the unsigned names feel like a formality. Last year on the Sticks In podcast, Ryder Garnsey made it clear he loves playing for the Redwoods and doesn’t plan on playing for anyone else. Garrett Epple is the reigning Defender of the Year, it would be surprising for him to sign elsewhere. Eddy Glazener is the lynchpin of the defence, his leaving would be surprising. For players of their caliber, it is likely “when” they sign back, not “if.”
For the Woods, the question has been looming, when is it time to blow things up. They have a solid group, and it’s a group that’s come close before. They’ve been a tough playoff out, losing in the title game in 2019 in OT with a roster pretty close to this one. Last year, John Grant Jr joined the staff as the OC, his influence on how this team is built could be further felt this offseason.
Ryan Lee was re-signed last year, but an injury forced him out for the summer. The Woods also added Eli McLaughlin, although ultimately Liger decided to play summer box lacrosse. Still, an influx of players with box backgrounds and more indoor skills could be coming. Don’t be surprised if the Woods chase a few players from the Chaos roster. Blending it with field weapons who will assuredly be out there like Romar Dennis, Garnsey, or Pannell could be challenging, but this is Junior we’re talking about.
A name to watch for the Redwoods is Sergio Perkovic. He was a healthy scratch down the stretch last season, and while he had some flashes of solid play at the Championship Series, it’ll be interesting to see if the Woods have room for him going forward. The word is that the Woods are very high on adding Ricky Miezan for the summer. Making room for him, if he’s healthy and ready after an injury at the Championship Series, means saying goodbye to someone else, and Perkovic is a candidate to be that someone.
Another name to watch is Jules Heningburg. Multiple teams are interested in his services, as Heningburg can still shake an individual matchup with the best of them. Players who can consistently beat their matchup, even more so against shorties, will be in demand for everyone. The Woods will have competition if they want to keep him in green this summer.
The Redwoods inconsistent play on offence will be priority one for them this offseason. Owen Grant was added last year to a defence loaded with talent at pole, they feel good at that spot. The draft has incredible offensive depth this year, it’s a good chance for the Redwoods to reshape the offence a bit.
Carolina Chaos
| Already Re-Signed or Extended: | Remaining Free Agents: |
| Troy Reh, LSM | Max Adler, FO |
| Chris Cloutier, A | Chase Fraser, A |
| CJ Costabile, LSM | Kyle Jackson, A/M |
| Austin Kaut, G | Kevin Lindley, A (30% Exception) |
| Ryan McNulty, LSM | Ian Mackay, M/LSM/SSDM |
| Jarrod Neumann, D | |
| Pat Resch, SSDM | |
| Ryan Smith, A/M (Holdout List) | |
| Johnny Surdick, D |
The Chaos locker room has stayed together as a group since the PLL’s inception. Head Coach and GM Andy Towers is quick to move players out who aren’t a fit, and equally quick to lock up players who do fit for the long term. Last year in free agency, there were Chaos players who left some money on the table in the interest of making sure there was enough room under the cap to keep as much of the team together as possible.
The Chaos made a few moves just prior to free agency. Backup netminder Austin Kaut was signed for another year, and righty offensive player Ryan Smith was placed on the Holdout List. Smith reportedly plans to play MSL this summer. With Ryan and Dhane Smith both on the Holdout List, the Chaos are in a position to commit a chunk of the cap elsewhere.
The Chaos are one of multiple teams in on Redwoods free agent attackman Jules Heningburg, though nothing is final yet. Towers can also commit money to keeping the rest of his free agent list together. The Chaos are built to win down the stretch and into the postseason, which is not something that any coach will be eager to break up.
Some other star players who are on deals that are not yet expiring could also get new deals; looking for the Chaos to try and lock up stars like Josh Byrne long term. One such player already has. Their back end is intact, as Jack Rowlett signed an extension through 2026.
Denver Outlaws
| Already Re-Signed or Extended: | Remaining Free Agents: |
| Ryan Terefenko, SSDM | Connor Farrell, FO |
| Will Haus, SSDM | Colin Heacock, A/M |
| Jesse Bernhardt, D | Jesse King, A |
| Mike Manley, D | Brendan Nichtern, A (30% Exception) |
| Sean Sconone, G | Alex Smith, SSDM |
| Mike Messenger, M | Greg Weyl, D (30% Exception) |
| JT Giles-Harris, D | |
| Connor DeSimone, A/M |
Formerly the Chrome, now the Denver Outlaws, can approach free agency knowing they also can address a need with the first pick in the draft. The odds on favorite to go first is Duke’s Brennan O’Neill, although if there’s anyone who will forgo the narrative and go their own way, it’s head coach and GM Tim Soudan. The Outlaws finished with the league’s worst record a year ago and had inconsistent play on offense.
The Outlaws have one of the more interesting lists of pending free agents in the league. Jesse King has taken summers to play summer box in the past, and he’s certainly a name to watch to return there this summer. Connor Farrell has been an all star faceoff specialist, but rule changes had the Outlaws make him a healthy scratch a few weekends last summer.
With the rules changing again this offseason, how they approach the faceoff position is a major question. Even if they decide to continue to lean on a specialist, there’s no guarantee it’s Farrell.
Colin Heacock has already been linked to the Whipsnakes, and a reunion with his college Terp teammates sounds destined to happen. Alex Smith is an athletic two way midfielder who could have interest around the league, particularly where SSDM play is at a premium.
Finally, Brendan Nichtern meets the 30% threshold this year, but his armed services commitments mean that having him on the roster is to be ok with the fact that his availability will be limited all summer. The Outlaws are in a position to revamp their offense through the draft.
They make three picks in the top three picks in the first 11 slots, including first overall, in a draft loaded with offensive talent. Because of how many offensive free agents are already spoken for, that seems like the route to explore.
Maryland Whipsnakes
| Already Re-Signed or Extended | Remaining Free Agents |
| Mike Chanenchuk, M | James Barclay, D (Holdout List) |
| Jake Bernhardt, M | Michael Ehrhardt, LSM |
| Elijah Gash, LSM/D (30% Exception) | |
| Grayson Sallade, SSDM (30% Exception) |
The Whips signed a number of players to multi-year deals either last year or the year before, setting up the next offseason to be a big one while this one has fewer names on the list. The Whips did extend attackman Matt Rambo through 2026, even though he had a year left on his deal, making it clear he’s part of the long term plan.
Of their pending free agents, new one year deals were signed by Mike Chanenchuk and Jake Bernhardt. The big name remaining is Big Mike, Michael Ehrhardt. At the conclusion of last season, Ehrhardt spoke about his options and thinking about returning to the Whips or possibly retiring. Should Ehrhardt decide to hang it up, the Whips would need to find someone to step into the shoes of one of the greatest LSMs to ever play. Not easy to do.
The Whips are an aging powerhouse in a transitional phase. Tucker Dordevic took home Rookie of the Year ago, and Brendan Krebs emerged as the Whips goalie of the future. Both of them will need to take other further leadership roles on the team this year. With Brad Smith likely to start the year on IR, Dordevic will be the top dodging threat from the midfield.
The Whips spent last offseason looking for more initiators to take pressure off Rambo and Zed Williams, they’ll likely need to do the same this year for Dordevic. Heacock has already been linked to the Whips this offseason and a deal between the two sounds likely, as it would reunite Heacock with a number of his former Maryland teammates. The Whips also have the third pick in the draft, meaning they’ll get the option to draft one of Brennan O’Neill, Connor Shellenberger, or Pat Kavanagh if they choose.
New York Atlas
| Already Re-Signed or Extended | Remaining Free Agents |
| Michael Rexrode, D | Dox Aitken, M (Placed on Holdout List on 2/28) |
| Bryan Costabile, M | Grant Ammann, D |
| Dylan Molloy, A/M | Mark Cockerton, A |
| Drake Porter, G | Jack Concannon, G |
| John Geppert, D/LSM | Peter Dearth, SSDM |
| Jeff Teat, A | Tucker Durkin, D |
| Justin Guterding, A/M | |
| Marc O’Rourke, A/M | |
| Peyton Smith, FO (30% Exception) |
The Atlas are coming off a tough year. In 2022, they lost in the quarterfinals after a 6-4 season. Because they owned the Cannons draft pick, they picked first overall and third overall in the draft, going defense in both spots with Gavin Adler and Brett Makar, while also adding Xander Dickson.
Mike Pressler took over as head coach and GM for 2023. Expectations were high, results didn’t meet them. Despite going defense first and third overall in the draft, the Atlas conceded 140 goals, the most in the PLL, nobody else went over 130. Because of the downturn, there was speculation about how the team might look going forward, with star players on the end of their deals.
However, the Atlas have locked up the two biggest free agents from their roster, Jeff Teat and Bryan Costabile. Both would have been the top target in free agency at their respective positions, but the Atlas offense will stay together. Dylan Molloy, a mid-season addition, also signed a new deal. Because of how last year went, the defensive side of the ball is where the questions are.
Tucker Durkin is up for a new deal, he turns 34 this year, and his star is rising in the college coaching ranks as a DC at Drexel. Peter Dearth could be a candidate for a new team, he was a healthy scratch for Atlas a few weeks as they frequently dressed Danny Logan, Jake Richard, and Chet Comizio.
Dox Aitken going to the Holdout List opens a spot for the Atlas to improve in the midfield. Myles Jones was acquired via trade last year, and it sparked his game a bit, he looked solid down the stretch of the season. Atlas have interesting decisions to make about how Guterding and O’Rourke will fit into things. With the second overall pick, a myriad of weapons including Connor Shellenberger could be available to them, and that could push aging stars further down, or off, the depth chart.
The Atlas also could be in the market for a netminder, although taking one second overall would be a stunner. Both Drake Porter and Jack Concannon were sub 50% save percentage last year. Porter has a new deal, while Concannon remains unsigned. The goalie free agent market is very light. Unless the Atlas think they can sign someone like Jack Kelly or Tim Troutner away from the Redwoods, and they consider them upgrades, the Bulls are likely going to target Notre Dame’s Liam Entenmann in the draft.
Philadelphia Waterdogs
| Already Re-Signed or Extended | Remaining Free Agents |
| Liam Byrnes, D | Chris Fake, D (30% Exception) |
| Eli Gobrecht, D | Charlie Kitchen, A/M |
| Dillon Ward, G | James Reilly, FO (30% Exception) |
| Zac Tucci, FO (30% Exception) | |
| Jake Withers, FO (Holdout List) |
The Waterdogs went from expansion club in 2020 to championship game regular here in 2024. They won the PLL title in 2022, were a few inches and a Brett Dobson save away from repeating in 2023, and then lost in OT in the PLL Championship Series this February. The team is built for the long term, loaded with versatile pieces who play multiple spots and are signed to multi-year deals.
They have already locked up the defensive core, including All World netminder Dillon Ward, and every game starters Liam Byrnes and Eli Gobrecht. The remaining free agents include three 30% exception players, Charlie Kitchen who is rehabbing from a hip injury, and Jake Withers, who spent last summer with the Peterborough Lakers.
Head Coach Andy Copelan has stepped down, though will serve as interim GM in finding his replacement. There isn’t a ton of work to do for the incoming GM when it comes to the current roster. Of the unsigned list, three are faceoff specialists. The Waterdogs were the first team to go to the prevent last year, but with the rule change, won’t be able to let Gobrecht faceoff anymore.
They can, however, continue to let Zach Currier faceoff and effectively use the same prevent strategy as they did a year ago. For that reason, barring a surprise return from Withers, it seems likely the Waterdogs will continue to forgo dressing a faceoff specialist. Kitchen has a very high ceiling and can help the offense if he’s healthy, he fits what they do well. Otherwise, this is a roster ready-made to contend again as constructed, and can focus on making strengths stronger in the draft.
Utah Archers
| Already Re-Signed or Extended | Remaining Free Agents |
| Nick Washuta, G | Reid Bowering, A/M |
| Ryan Ambler, M | Reece Eddy, LSM/D |
| Warren Jeffrey, D | Justin Inacio, FO (30% Exception) |
| Matt McMahon, D | |
| Kyle Pless, LSM/D | |
| Cole Williams, A/M |
The defending champs do not have a long list of free agents left to sign. Cole Williams landed on the IR due to a lower body injury he sustained at the Championship Series. Archers head coach and GM Chris Bates said the acquisition of Williams was not done with just the Championship Series in mind, and they’d take a good look at signing him for the regular season.
Bates also mentioned Ronan Jacoby as a player who will get a hard look, more on him later. The Archers have signed cornerstone players in Ryan Ambler, Nick Washuta, and Warren Jeffrey. Don’t expect Matt McMahon to be too far behind. Reece Eddy played for Archers at the Championship Series but didn’t appear much during the regular season. Kyle Pless was a late season addition after a Jon Robbins injury. The Archers roster at pole is deep, both Eddy and Pless could go unsigned.
Justin Inacio is going to test the market as a 30% player, and he’s a name to watch. The Archers have Mike Sisselberger as their lead faceoff man. But with the rules changing again this year to prevent poles from taking faceoffs, clubs who didn’t use a specialist last year (Waterdogs and Cannons, primarily), could be in the market to add one. Inacio is a Team Canada specialist, and takes draws for the Calgary Roughnecks indoors. Teams in need of depth at the position, or a candidate for the lead job, may kick the tires.
The Archers are built well. The offense is, like the Waterdogs, versatile and able to be molded to deal with injuries, absences, or anything else that comes up. Grant Ament suffered an injury that caused him to miss the Championship Series this year, and while the expectation is he’ll be ready for summer, the Archers will likely be the in the market for some dodging depth in the event there are complications or Ament has to be eased back in at the start of the season.
This is also prudent in the event the Toronto Rock make the NLL finals, as that would mean Tom Schreiber and Challen Rogers, among others, would return and possibly need some recovery time.
Also on Toronto, but still returning from injury, is SSDM Latrell Harris. Piper Bond and Connor Maher were outstanding as rookies, but depending on Harris’ readiness for game action, a move to sign a player like Peter Dearth could make sense for the Archers.
Other Names to Watch
Ronan Jacoby, A/M
Jacoby was a roster addition just for the Championship Series by the Archers. All he did there was lead the Archers in points, one point goals, and two point goals. He shot 52% for the event, and committed a total of four turnovers in four games played. That production comes after not playing lacrosse, outside of men’s league games, since 2022 when he made the Final Four with Rutgers. After the event, Bates said they’d give Jacoby, “a hard look”, and wouldn’t be surprised if other clubs did too.
Ricky Miezan, M
The Redwoods added Miezan for the Championship Series, and before he was forced out with injured, he made some exceptional plays. Miezan’s physical talent would be some of the best on any PLL roster. But his skill as a shooter was what stood out at the Championship Series. His shooting stroke is compact and quick, yet full of power because of how much he can generate from his core and legs. The word around the Championship Series was that the Redwoods loved what they saw from Ricky, and are making his signing in free agency a top priority.
The Undrafted
Pretty nebulous, but there’s always someone. After the draft, there’s a period where undrafted college players can be added for camp rosters, and then if they aren’t added via a waiver process, they become free agents. The Cannons added Ethan Rall this way, who went on to be an LSM of the Year finalist. Ryder Garnsey as a post draft addition for the Redwoods. Chet Comizio became a 19 man regular for New York Atlas after being a post draft addition. Teams will hold roster spots open for camp, the players who fill them after the draft have a way of sticking around.
Stay tuned to LCD for analysis all Free Agency long!