Head coach and general manager Brian Holman had been trying to get Grant “forever” since he entered the league as the third overall pick in 2023. This offseason, that dream became a reality when Holman traded for Grant in exchange for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 College Draft.
Grant’s potential is through the roof because he can play close defense or long-stick midfield and can erase a matchup at either position.
Boston’s big-ticket acquisition is already paying dividends.
Biggest question: Can Asher Nolting get going?
Nolting is 0-for-8 shooting through two games.
It’s nowhere close to a legit concern for the Cannons and Nolting, especially when you consider Nolting has been matched up against two of the best defenders in the world in Gavin Adler and Graeme Hossack. That being said, Boston still wants its superstar to produce goals, especially unassisted off the dodge, and Nolting has struggled to do that thus far.
I’d like to see him attack in space more to get his momentum going before bodying into his defender and posting up at the island.
One key stat: 61.2%
Kirst’s save percentage through two games.
It’s a small sample size, but Boston’s goalie might be playing his best lacrosse right now, which is saying something.
Next game: Friday, June 13 vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs (6 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
2. Utah Archers (1-1)
Why they’re here
Utah lost to Boston on a last-second goal, but the back-to-back champions are still a front-runner to win another (and they aren’t 100% healthy, either).
What’s working
Brett Dobson and the defense.
Dobson’s save percentage is a ridiculous 65.9% through two games. The players in front of him aren’t causing turnovers at a high clip, but they are playing tough, fundamental defense.
Rookie Brendan Lavelle has yet to be scored on in his two matchups versus Matt Rambo and Coulter Mackesy. His strong play at close defense has allowed Mason Woodward to roam the middle of the field at LSM.
Beau Pederson, Connor Maher and Piper Bond make up a lockdown short-stick defensive midfield that offensive players have struggled to beat.
This Archers defense will make you earn your goals.
Biggest question: How can Utah generate looks for Mac O’Keefe?
Like Nolting, O’Keefe has started the season 0-for-8 shooting. The Archers need to figure out ways to get him open.
Most of the looks for O’Keefe have been Schreiber sprinting down the alley to his left hand and looking for O’Keefe popping off the crease to his left hand. But teams have scouted that look and are clogging up the passing lanes.
Instead, like Archers beat writer Zach Carey wrote about a few years back, Utah should get O’Keefe involved in a pick game with Connor Fields.
Opposing defenses will likely keep their No. 1 defenseman on Fields, so O’Keefe could find himself open after setting a pick if opponents worry too much about his teammate.
If O’Keefe’s defender stays tight to him while he sets the pick and doesn’t think about switching the matchup, it could allow Fields to get a step, which is all he needs.
One key stat: eight
Back-to-back games with eight scores for Utah.
The Archers’ lowest score of 2024 was nine, and they have gone below that two games in a row in 2025.
I get that they didn’t have Tre Leclaire and Grant Ament, but this offense needs to put up double digits next week for me to be not concerned.
Next game: Friday, June 13 vs. California Redwoods (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
3. New York Atlas (1-1)
Why they’re here
The Atlas didn’t play this past weekend, but they had an opportunity to watch other teams and rest up after their doubleheader.
I expect Jeff Teat, Connor Shellenberger and Xander Dickson to have a massive game this weekend against the Whipsnakes.
Next game: Saturday, June 14 vs. Maryland Whipsnakes (1 p.m. ET; ABC)
4. Philadelphia Waterdogs (1-0)
Why they’re here
After being the only team to not play on Opening Weekend, the Waterdogs flexed their offensive muscles with a 16-12 win over the Whipsnakes.
What’s working
The offense.
Philadelphia scored 16 on a good Whipsnakes defense, and the way they did it was even more impressive.
There were some great individual efforts on the dodge – by Jack Hannah, in particular – but the offense was so unselfish and allowed everyone to eat. Attackman Michael Sowers led the way with seven assists but attributed much of his success to the midfield unit.
“I can’t overstate it enough, I felt like I had seven assists within the flow of the offense,” Sowers said postgame. “I wasn’t really even dodging, and that’s a credit to our midfield. They’re drawing slides and kicking the ball forward and making our job easy.”
Not only is this offensive unit talented, but with the way they shared the ball Saturday? They could be the best offense in the league if they continue to do that.
Biggest question: Can they repeat this offensive performance?
One game is a small sample size, so I’d like to see the offense replicate this performance before I move them higher in my power rankings.
The Waterdogs shredded the Whipsnakes with ball movement through X. If teams don’t slide to the midfielders, proving they can score unassisted goals will be the next step.
One key stat: one
The number of goals Philadelphia let up in the second half.
Down 11-8 at halftime, the Waterdogs shut the door on the Whipsnakes with Matt DeLuca registering eight second-half saves.
A lot of it was poor offense by Maryland, but credit to this young defense for stepping up when it mattered.
Next game: Friday, June 13 vs. Boston Cannons (6 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
5. California Redwoods (2-0)
Why they’re here
Stick with me here.
I know the Redwoods are 2-0 and have put up 15-plus goals in back-to-back games. But I’m still not 100% convinced that this offense can keep producing at the clip it is.
I’m also factoring in the teams they’ve played so far: a discombobulated Denver team on Opening Weekend, and then a Carolina team that had played the night before.
What’s working
The offense.
I said I’m not sold on the Redwoods yet, but that doesn’t mean I’m still not very excited about them.
Chris Kavanagh (No. 2 overall prospect) and Andrew McAdorey (No. 3 overall prospect) continued to prove why they were so high on my Big Board. Not only were they terrific college players, but their skill sets could perhaps make them even better PLL players.
McAdorey’s speed and playmaking ability were on full display with another four-point performance, while Kavanagh’s pinpoint shooting and ability to create chaos on the ride make him so dynamic in the quick pace of the PLL.
Ryder Garnsey and Dylan Molloy anchor this offensive unit as veterans while undrafted rookie Josh Balcarcel keeps chipping in points.
Biggest question: Are the Redwoods championship contenders?
Again, are the Redwoods for real? Can they keep it rolling offensively?
They have a chance to find out if they are true title contenders when they face the two-time defending champions on Saturday.
One key stat: 58
The number of shots the Redwoods attempted against Carolina, setting a new PLL record.
With the roster put together by general manager Joe Spallina, it’s not a huge surprise that this team wants to play fast, but man, this was an impressive number of shots against a good Chaos defense.
Next game: Friday, June 13 vs. Utah Archers (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
6. Denver Outlaws (0-2)
Why they’re here
Perhaps the most disappointing team in the PLL thus far, the Outlaws have dropped games to Western Conference foes in the Redwoods and Chaos.
That being said, I’m not out on them. I believe in the talent, and I think they’ll figure it out offensively (they’d better with four Tewaaraton winners).
What’s working
Their talent, specifically Brennan O’Neill.
O’Neill has 19 shots through two games, and he’s cashed in on five of those for a 26.3% clip. He has a chance to be the best player in the world, and I love his assertiveness to start the season in Year 2.
The talent around him is exceptional, as well, but Logan Wisnauskas missed basically all of last season, Pat Kavanagh is adjusting to his new teammates, and Jared Bernhardt is still shaking off the rust.
I know it’s not clicking offensively or defensively on paper, but the offensive talent, plus the likely change in net, has me hopeful for an Outlaws surge in the next few weeks.
Biggest question: Will Logan McNaney start?
Owen McElroy is saving the ball at a 39.6% clip. Head coach and general manager Tim Soudan keeps reminding fans that they “drafted McNaney for a reason.”
I would be floored if McNaney is not the starter against Philadelphia.
One key stat: 47
The number of shots Denver is averaging per game.
This is the reason I’m optimistic about the Outlaws; they are generating shots.
Now, they need to improve the quality of their looks and shooting percentage, but that is an easier fix than generating offense.
Next game: Saturday, June 14 vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
7. Maryland Whipsnakes (0-2)
Why they’re here
The Whipsnakes scored just one goal in the second half in a 16-12 loss to the Waterdogs.
What’s working
A few offensive players.
TJ Malone has picked up where he left off in 2024 with eight points (5G, 3A) through two games, while rookie Aidan Carroll has three goals.
Biggest question: Will they switch up the attack unit?
Head coach and general manager Jim Stagnitta was not happy with the play of Rambo and Rob Pannell, simply stating the Whipsnakes needed more production from the two veterans.
Rambo and Pannell have combined for just two points through two games.
Levi Anderson and Matt Brandau were inserted late in the game against the Waterdogs to try to jump-start the offense, so they are options there, as is Carroll, who played attack for Georgetown.
One key stat: zero
The number of points Rambo has through two games.
It’s no secret Rambo didn’t have a great 2024 season, and with the start he’s having this season, he could be replaced soon if he doesn’t start producing.
Next game: Saturday, June 14 vs. New York Atlas (1 p.m. ET; ABC)
8. Carolina Chaos (1-2)
Why they’re here
Carolina split its games during Homecoming Weekend in Charlotte, but it took a record-setting performance from Blaze Riorden to pull out its win over Denver.
The Chaos have a great defense, but having one of the least talented offensive rosters in the league makes me pessimistic about their success this season.
What’s working
Riorden.
The big lefty goalie set a PLL record with 25 saves last Friday, eating up nearly every single shot the Outlaws threw his way.
Whenever he’s in net, the Chaos will be in every game.
Biggest question: How high is their ceiling?
While the Chaos won last Friday, I just don’t think Carolina’s defense and goalie can repeat many performances like that one. And, again, the offense lacks the firepower to put up a big number.
That being said, if I see the Chaos pull out another win in the same fashion, I’d be more optimistic that it could be sustainable.
One key stat: 23.5
The number of turnovers the Chaos averaged this past weekend.
If the Chaos have any shot of making a run, this number needs to decrease.
Next game: Saturday, June 21 vs. Maryland Whipsnakes (2:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
