PWHL's Fleet, Sirens swap players in league's 2nd trade of season

The Boston Fleet have acquired Canadian Olympic gold medallist Jill Saulnier from the New York Sirens in a swap that offers a change of scenery to two forwards who have found themselves at the bottom of their teams' lineups.

In exchange, the Sirens receive American forward Taylor Girard. She has yet to register a point over five games with the Fleet this season, but had six points in 23 games in the last campaign before her season was cut short due to injury. She was scratched in the Fleet's last game.

Saulnier has also dealt with injuries over her two PWHL seasons, including stints on long-term injury reserve this year and last. The 32-year-old from Halifax doesn't have any points over five games with the Sirens this season, and registered two points in 18 games last year.

Her only goal came in the league's first game on Jan. 1, 2024 in a 4-0 New York win over Toronto.

Before she was drafted to New York 40th overall in the 2023 PWHL draft, Saulnier competed in two Olympic Games for Team Canada, earning a silver medal in 2018 and gold in 2022. In the latter Olympics, Saulnier was a staple on the team's fourth line, adding energy and a two-way presence.

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The veteran forward also won a world championship with Canada in 2021 and an Under-18 world championship in 2010.

"She brings a level of competitiveness and grit that will elevate our team on the ice," Fleet GM Danielle Marmer said in a statement. "Beyond her skill, Jill's experience and leadership will be invaluable in our locker room."

Girard, 26, was taken 51st overall by the Fleet in the 2023 draft after two seasons with the Connecticut Whale of the Premier