The Boston Cannons are making a statement about their future, and it starts with defense. The club announced Monday that it has re-signed Owen Grant through 2027, securing one of the league’s most dynamic long-stick defenders for the next two years.
Grant, acquired last offseason in a trade with the California Redwoods, quickly became a cornerstone of Boston’s defensive identity in a year it needed it most. Known for his physicality, range and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, the 6-foot-3 Canadian has drawn comparisons to stalwarts like Graeme Hossack and Michael Ehrhardt for his rare combination of size and agility. In his first full season in the PLL after two injury-plagued years with the Redwoods, Grant posted 11 caused turnovers, 16 ground balls, two goals and two assists for the Cannons.
“Owen changes the way we play,” Holman said earlier this year. “He’s not just a defender, he’s a weapon. His presence lets us be aggressive and creative in ways that weren’t possible before.”
Thriving in Boston’s system
In a veteran-heavy unit that already featured leaders like Jack Kielty, Garrett Epple and Bryce Young, the Cannons traded for Grant to use him as another long-stick midfielder alongside Ethan Rall. Defensive coordinator John Odierna explained the team’s plan for Grant before the season: “We have the veteran pieces, but Owen brings something different – length, speed and a physical edge that makes him scary.”
In a season that slipped away late from Boston, Grant’s success was a highlight. That edge Odierna spoke of was evident throughout the season, as Grant used his wingspan to erase shooting lanes and his footwork to neutralize dodgers in space. His ability to push transition also gave Boston’s offense extra possessions, a critical factor for a team that thrived on momentum swings.
“He’s unique,” Holman said. “You don’t see many guys who can play like Hossack and Ehrhardt, but Owen’s trending in that direction.”
That uniqueness showed up both statistically and stylistically. Grant ranked among the league leaders in caused turnovers per game (1.1) and consistently performed as one of Boston’s most efficient defenders in settled sets.
Looking ahead
Boston opened 2025 as a top team in the league, riding a balanced offense and a rejuvenated defense to the top of the standings early on. But second-half breakdowns and defensive lapses contributed to a heartbreaking playoff miss – a collapse Holman described as “a puzzle with no matching pieces.”
Re-signing Grant is one piece that fits. At 25 years old, he represents both present impact and future upside, exceeding all expectations the Cannons had when they traded for him. His physical prime aligns with Boston’s competitive window, and his maturation as a pro will continue to grow as the Cannons integrate younger talent.
With Grant locked in, the Cannons can now turn their attention to complementing his skill set and shifting their defensive identity to focus more on him – whatever that may look like. For now, though, Boston fans can take comfort in knowing one of the PLL’s most imposing defenders will be wearing red, white and blue for years to come.
Other names to watch in player movement
With Grant locked up, the Cannons still have a few question marks remaining with their unsigned players. Ryan Drenner, Connor Kirst, and Epple are all unsigned – and all very attractive to other clubs. Starting on Dec. 17, teams can begin signing available players from other clubs. The first player movement window closes on Jan. 16.
Of those three players, Drenner should be the top priority for Boston. The veteran brings elite versatility as both a dodger and off-ball scorer, giving the Cannons a dynamic option to complement their attack core and 2025 Midfielder of the Year Matt Campbell. Drenner has come up clutch so often for Boston over the past four years, it feels silly to call him a reliable “secondary scoring threat” – but that’s what makes him so invaluable: any role you need him to take, he’ll do so with swagger.
Things get a little more complicated when it comes to Kirst and Epple. Boston would have a crowded midfield if Drenner re-signs, and as a two-way midfielder, Kirst could be a full-game player for another team elsewhere. It’s all a matter of how the Cannons want to use Kirst next season, and who they’re willing to let go of for it.
The biggest question comes with Epple. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year dominated in his first season with the Cannons in 2024. But in 2025, with the return of Kielty, it almost felt like the close defensive unit had too many top defensemen. The Cannons’ close defense seriously regressed in 2025, and especially with Grant under contract for the next two seasons, one has to wonder if Odierna is eyeing Epple’s role for Grant.
