The Boston Cannons' 2024 season showcased a strong new-look defense, even in the absence of Jack Kielty, but was hampered by offensive inconsistencies when it mattered most despite a plethora of offensive power. 

As they prepare for 2025, the Boom Squad will be focused on enhancing their offensive production and making the most of their MVP candidate attackman, while retaining their defensive strengths.

Key Free Agents

Marcus Holman (Attack)

Chris Aslanian (Attack)

Matt Kavanagh (Attack)

Pat Aslanian (Midfielder)

Cade van Raaphorst (Defense)

Offensive struggles and opportunities

The Cannons’ offense was led by Asher Nolting, who had an MVP-caliber season and led the team in points for the second year in a row, ranking second in the league overall (39). His connection with Holman provided a powerful one-two punch, driving much of Boston’s offense in the regular season. 

While I’m not too worried about Holman (or any Cannon, for that matter) departing in free agency, Boston must look to not only maintain this dynamic duo, but enhance it with a complementary lefty attackman. 

In 2023, Matt Kavanagh was the guy alongside Nolting and Holman. But as the elder Kavanagh struggled, the Cannons coaching staff made the tough decision of scratching him to start sixth overall pick, reigning Tewaaraton Award winner and Matt’s younger brother, Pat Kavanagh on attack. Pat showed promise as a rookie attackman, with flashes of greatness like we saw from his collegiate career at Notre Dame, but ultimately felt more comfortable operating out of the midfield for Boston. The Cannons tinkered with different options on attack late in the regular season, with All-Star midfielder Matt Campbell also getting looks there, but it was Chris Aslanian who earned the start in the quarterfinal loss at Gillette Stadium. 

There’s no one person to blame for the inconsistency at lefty attack. Boston’s best-case scenario is either Matt Kavanagh returning to vintage form for the 2025 season, Pat becoming more comfortable in that role now that he has a pro season under his belt and a lot more time to rest and train. Worst-case scenario? Try someone new in that third spot. Whether it’s from the draft, free agency or a trade, the Cannons have options.

Defensive strengths

The Cannons' defense was one of their strongest assets, led by Garrett Epple and anchored by goalie Colin Kirst. Kirst’s shot-stopping ability was a key reason the Cannons remained competitive, while Epple’s physical dominance and intelligence on the field disrupted opposing offenses. Retaining van Raaphorst, another crucial defensive figure, will be vital to ensuring this unit remains solid for 2025.

The Cannons ranked second in the league in defensive efficiency, trailing only the Carolina Chaos. In addition to potentially retaining free agent van Raaphorst, they’ll be getting a guaranteed huge internal boost with the return of Kielty. 

After Kielty went down with a season-ending injury in training camp, head coach Brian Holman reiterated throughout the season the importance of the 27-year-old not just to the defense, but to the entire team as a leader. “He is the Cannons,” Holman said back in May. 

Without Kielty, the Cannons’ new-look close defense of Epple, van Raaporst and Bryce Young experienced some growing pains to begin the season. While they did a good job of building chemistry and adjusting to the loss of Kielty, his leadership on the field can help take this defense even higher next season. 

Faceoff and transition

Signed as a free agent back in March, Zac Tucci had moments of success. Coach Holman understood in a league with faceoff specialists like Joe Nardella, Trevor Baptiste and TD Ierlan, you’re likely not going to beat any of those guys outright at the stripe. He signed Tucci in hopes of optimizing his athleticism and speed to fight back on the faceoff, defend and, when he did win possessions, quickly push into transition to capitalize off of the 32-second shot clock. 

However, it was a bit of an up-and-down year for Tucci. Inconsistency at the faceoff limited the Cannons' ability to control possession and pace. And for a team that shot a collective 26.3%, they really needed to make the most of every possession.

The team will likely seek to improve its faceoff strategy in the offseason, aiming to create more offensive opportunities and reduce reliance on defensive play. Whether that means drafting competition for Tucci or finding a new strategy altogether remains to be seen.

Offseason priorities

The Cannons’ main goal this offseason must be finding a designated lefty attackman and enhancing their offensive depth. Building around Nolting will be key, as he proved he’s capable of leading the unit. By addressing offensive inefficiencies and maintaining their strong defensive core, the Cannons can aim for a deeper postseason run in 2025.