New York Sirens send Jill Saulnier to Boston Fleet for Taylor Girard in second trade of PWHL season

In a swap of depth forwards, the Boston Fleet have acquired Jill Saulnier from the New York Sirens in exchange for Taylor Girard.

The trade looks to be a change of scenery for both players, who have seen limited minutes and stretches out of the lineup early this season. Saulnier was injured in the Sirens’ opening game of the season and has largely played as the extra forward since her return. In her last game for New York, Saulnier logged less than one minute, while Girard has played only half of Boston’s games this season. Both Girard and Saulnier have zero points in five games this season.

Saulnier, 32, is a highly decorated veteran with two Olympic medals and four at women’s world championships. She’s in the final year of her contract after being drafted and signed by New York in 2023. In Boston, she could add another veteran presence and depth to the lineup.

“Jill has achieved so much in her hockey career,” Boston general manager Danielle Marmer said. “She brings a level of competitiveness and grit that will elevate our team on the ice. Beyond her skill, Jill’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in our locker room.”

Girard, 26, is a talented two-way forward who brings size (5-foot-10) and skill to the middle of the lineup. She was among the top scorers in the Premier Hockey Federation before it shuttered and was tied for third in goals (four) last season for Boston.

“Adding Taylor to our roster brings not only a teammate who aligns perfectly with our organization’s values, but also a player whose physicality and disciplined approach to her role make her a valuable asset in a league where every inch of the ice is a hard-fought battle,” Sirens GM Pascal Daoust said.

Saulnier is expected to make her debut for the Fleet on Wednesday against the Toronto Sceptres according to the league’s news release. And Girard is set to play for the Sirens on Saturday against Toronto at Scotiabank Arena.

This is the second trade of the 2024-25 PWHL season, after last month’s blockbuster that sent longtime Team Canada defender Jocelyne Larocque to the Ottawa Charge.

The PWHL trade deadline is March 2 at noon ET.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

NHL, Women's Hockey

2025 The Athletic Media Company