Chrome enter the offseason with 12 players on expiring contracts and unfortunately given that the team had the league's worst record and least efficient offense, drastic changes need to be made. I examined each free agent and how they fit into next year's roster.

Non-Negotiable

There are two Chrome players that are widely considered to be elite at their positions, defender JT Giles-Harris, and short stick defensive midfielder Ryan Terefenko. The team’s defense is it’s identity and losing these guys would set the franchise back several years. You can’t draft to fill these spots and there are only a handful of guys in the league that could come close. These young stars have the potential to carry the team as captains for many years to come, there's a reason they have four all-star appearances and a defensive player of the year award between them.

Mike Messenger was built for the new faceoff rules and the 32 second shot clock. It’s unfortunate that by the time Chrome decided to experiment by benching Connor Farrell, Messenger was out with injury. His ability to take faceoffs, line up on the wing, and be a two-way midfielder makes him invaluable. He has the potential to make an impact on all facets of the game, just like Zach Currier. If Chrome don’t sign him, I’m positive that teams that have embraced life post face-off specialist (ex. Cannons/Waterdogs) would be all over him.

Until the Wheels Fall Off

At 35 and 32 years of age, Mike Manley and Jesse Bernhardt may not have a lot of tread left on the tire. The leadership, grit, and ability they possessed this season proved that they can still play at an extremely high level. If I’m Coach Soudan, I sign both players and play them until they say the wheels fall off. 

Both players have played the entirety of their PLL careers for Chrome, and I just don’t see them wanting to play anywhere else. This season they combined for 19 caused turnovers and 45 ground balls - not bad for two seasoned vets. It’s also important to note that while Nick Grill has been touted as a future close defenseman for the Chrome, he may need another year or two before moving into that role, and who better to learn from than Manley and Bernhardt?

Jordan MacIntosh is an original Chrome member and an impeccable leader in the locker room. The harsh truth is that he scored six points in nine games but I think his value extends beyond the scoresheet. The offense lacked a lot of things this season - ball movement, guys that win individual matchups, high quality looks. I think that bringing in stronger dodgers through the midfield and a true quarterback at X could benefit MacIntosh’s strength as an inside finisher. I just don’t see Soudan letting him loose and at 33 years old; I think he finishes his career in a Chrome kit.

For the Right Price

On a team that committed to many turnovers and penalties, Sean Sconone proved that he is an excellent goaltender. While he played well, there is no shortage of quality goaltending on PLL rosters and there are more elite guys entering the league every year. If there’s room in the budget after resigning the core of the defense, I think Sconone is the next guy up. At 52% he’ll admit he’s nowhere near his ceiling, but Chrome played so much defense that shots are bound to fall and it's hard to put a lot of blame on him. 

Short stick defensive midfielders are hard to come by in this league, and the trend to dress four makes them even more valuable. Will Haus is a veteran that not only takes care of business on defense, he also takes care of the ball only committing one turnover on 61 touches. With three short stick defensive midfielders becoming free agents, it’s important that Chrome secure Haus. 

Jesse King sneakily scored a point in every game he appeared in this season but often found himself riding back turnovers (9). It’s my belief that many of his turnovers were caused by trying to do too much in an offense that was looking for somebody, anybody, to step up. When Chrome add a few midfielders this offseason, I could see King thriving off ball or in the pick game. This season we saw him dodge and get double or triple teamed, not exactly what his game is built for.