The player movement period is officially open.
For the first time, players will be able to sign with a new team ahead of the Championship Series. An earlier window means earlier decisions not only for coaches and clubs, but players, as well.
Teams must quickly decide on their plan forward: What holes do we need to fill? Who’s a good fit for our team?
On the other side, players face their own questions: Should I re-sign or test the market? Where is my best opportunity?
Taking a look at what should be the top priority for each team:
Boston Cannons: Add a defenseman
The close defense position was a struggle for the Cannons all season long. Boston allowed 13.8 scores per game in 2025, the most in the league, and it started with breakdowns on its backline. All three of the Cannons’ starters ranked in the top five in goals allowed as the closest defender in 2025.
Although Inside Lacrosse’s Kevin Brown did not include the Cannons as a team involved early for the services of 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Gavin Adler, there’s still a deep pool of available options.
One of the top names outside of Adler is Chris Fake.
Fake is a hard-hitting righty who would not only upgrade the Cannons’ backline, but would also allow them to keep the newly re-signed Owen Grant at long-stick midfielder. I proposed moving Grant to close defense last season, but with his range, disruptiveness and offensive ability in transition, I understand why head coach and general manager Brian Holman would want him roaming the middle of the field at all times.
Boston desperately needs to find answers defensively before 2026.
California Redwoods: Sign another alpha midfielder
Andrew McAdorey broke onto the scene as one of the most electric midfielders in the league last season, but outside of him, the Redwoods lack another midfielder who really strikes fear into a defense.
Young guys Aidan Danenza and Josh Balcarcel impressed, but they are more suited for complementary midfield roles.
If I’m California, the player I’m targeting is Bryan Costabile. Costabile is a hard-nosed, physical dodger who provides a different skill set than McAdorey, and he could be looking to test the market after winning a title with New York.
Another top priority should be to re-sign Dylan Molloy, who could provide a physical midfield presence as an invert option if he isn’t still starting at attack.
Carolina Chaos: Sign an SSDM
The Chaos should feel good with Jack Rowlett, Troy Reh and Blaze Riorden all returning, but the one area defensively they should be looking to improve is their SSDM room.
Ray Dearth, Greg Langermeier and Mark Glicini are all under contract through next season, but I’m not convinced this group is strong enough to lead the Chaos to a championship.
Chet Comizio and Christian Scarpello stand out as good fits for Carolina.
Denver Outlaws: Figure out the close defense position
Veterans Jesse Bernhardt and Mike Manley need to be inked to new deals, but it’s not as easy as just bringing them back.
Bernhardt is 35, and Manley is 37, so even if they do decide to run it back for another season, Denver still has to plan for the future.
The Outlaws are reported to be in the running for Adler, so that’s a good place to start when you think about building for the future. The lockdown lefty would give the Outlaws an outstanding 1-2 combo with physical righty JT Giles-Harris.
Maryland Whipsnakes: Add a two-way threat
Maryland feels like a team that is one or two pieces away from having a really good offense.
The Whipsnakes have dodgers in TJ Malone and Aidan Carroll, a savvy veteran in Rob Pannell, and a budding star midfielder in Matt Brandau, but the one thing they need is a dodger who is capable of playing both ways and scoring in transition.
One name comes to mind immediately: Dox Aitken.
Aitken, who was a second-team All-Pro in 2024 before sitting out the first half of the 2025 season, is as talented as they come. He’s a 6-foot-2, 215-pound midfielder who excelled at pushing offense off the wings, something that Maryland didn’t do well last season despite the dominance of Joe Nardella at the faceoff stripe.
The Whipsnakes need some spark in between the lines, and Aitken needs a new home after falling out of the rotation in New York. Make it happen.
New York Atlas: Re-sign Gavin Adler
The Atlas extended 2024 MVP Jeff Teat before he hit the market, and while they’ve failed to do that with Adler, they still have an opportunity to bring him back.
The heart and soul of this defense, Adler was the top defender in the league in 2025, utilizing his elite footwork and strength to shut down dodgers of all varieties.
Adler is looking at options, but if New York wants to be the favorite to win it all again, Adler needs to be in the solar blue at the start of the season.
Philadelphia Waterdogs: Add a veteran defender
With Matt Whitcher re-signing with Philly, the Waterdogs should turn their full attention to adding depth to their defensive unit.
The Waterdogs have one of the youngest defensive units in the league, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Kenny Brower, Ben Wayer and Jimmy Freehill all had standout seasons in their first years playing. But the presence of a veteran defender still feels important for this unit to continue developing.
Bernhardt and Manley could be options, but I would love for Jarrod Neumann to land in Philadelphia. Neumann has been doing it for a while in the PLL, and Wayer and others could learn from his offensive skill set and experience on the defensive end.
Utah Archers: Re-sign defensive core
A lot of the Archers’ potential signings revolve around Graeme Hossack’s decision.
If the 33-year-old returns for another year, he’s the top priority. One of the best defenders in the league year in and year out, Hossack’s physical presence sets the tone for Utah.
But if he doesn’t, the Archers will have some work to do.
Mason Woodward and Brendan Lavelle make up an excellent young core, but three other players who saw significant minutes for Utah in past years are unsigned: Warren Jeffrey, Cam Wyers and Jon Robbins.
I’d expect the Archers to try to retain everyone. Utah only allowed 11.1 scores per game last season, the second-fewest in the league. It’s a connected group that gives goalie Brett Dobson the shots he wants to see.
