Grow the Game®

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit
Share on whatsapp

Cannons Are Stuck in the Middle: Boston Cannons 2025 PLL Preview

The Boston Cannons entered the 2024 season without much noise, and for the most part, they didn’t need it. They simply handled business. While other teams stole headlines, the Cannons put together a quiet 7-3 campaign and earned the three seed going into the playoffs. Statistically, they weren’t blowing anyone away. The offense sat middle of the pack in most categories. Faceoffs were a clear weakness. But what anchored them was one of the stingiest defenses in the league. They kept games low-scoring, relied on structure, and stayed true to their identity.

That approach held up all season long—until it didn’t. In one of the more surprising outcomes of the playoffs, the Cannons were bounced in the quarterfinals by a Chaos team that hadn’t looked dangerous for most of the year. They only managed four goals. The defense did its job, again, but the offense completely collapsed. It was a tough way to end what had been a solid season, and it forced the front office into some difficult decisions this offseason.

Steady Defense and Stagnant Offense

There’s no question this team leans on its defense. They ranked second in scores against average last year at 11.5, and that unit should continue to be the foundation in 2025. Garrett Epple is still one of the toughest covers in the league, finishing with 20 caused turnovers and 20 ground balls. Ethan Rall complements him well, especially in transition. And the team quietly made a strong move by trading for Owen Grant, who fits the mold of what this group wants to be—gritty, disciplined, and physical.

In the cage, Colin Kirst turned in a respectable year, finishing with a 53.9 percent save rate. He might not be in the elite tier just yet, but he’s close. And if he can take another step, the defense could be even scarier than it was a year ago.

Offensively, it’s hard to know what to expect. Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman continue to be one of the league’s best attack pairings. Nolting had 39 points last year, while Holman added 32 of his own. That’s production you can trust, and their chemistry has become a real strength. But after that, it gets murky. Matt Campbell and Ryan Drenner are solid midfield pieces, and Connor Kirst gives you an edge, but there’s still a feeling that something is missing. This unit can move the ball and generate chances, but when they needed firepower in the playoffs, they came up empty.

Offseason Moves Focused on Filling Gaps

The Boston Cannons didn’t overhaul the roster this offseason, and that’s both a good and bad thing. They addressed some needs but didn’t go out and make the kind of splash that shakes up the top tier of the league. The draft brought in Coulter Mackesy with the fourth overall pick, and while he might not start right away, he’ll get chances. His minutes will be limited early, but if he finds confidence, he could carve out a real role and give this offense a much-needed boost. Mic Kelly and Ben Ramsey add depth, and Ramsey in particular could be a nice under-the-radar pickup as a tough SSDM.

The team also added John Geppert from the Atlas and made the aforementioned trade for Owen Grant, which helps shore up depth after the retirement of Cade van Raaphorst. Those are smart, culture-fit moves that align with how the Cannons want to operate defensively.

But on the other side of things, they lost some valuable offensive contributors. Pat Kavanagh and Chris Aslanian weren’t stars, but they played key roles in last year’s group, and both were moved in trades. Letting Craig Chick walk in free agency felt like the end of an era for this unit, and Mike Robinson hitting the holdout list only thins things out more.

Good, Not Great

The issue here isn’t what the Boston Cannons are. It’s what they’re not. This is a well-coached, veteran-heavy team that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and knows exactly how to play winning lacrosse. But they didn’t close the gap on the teams above them. They didn’t add a top-tier weapon. They didn’t change the narrative.

This is still a middle-of-the-pack offense trying to win with top-tier defense. And while that formula worked during the regular season, it failed when the pressure got high. You can’t win playoff games scoring four goals. And until that changes, it’s hard to see the Cannons pushing beyond that semifinal ceiling.

Solid Foundation, Same Ceiling

The Boston Cannons are going to be in the mix. That much feels certain. Their defensive identity is too strong to fall apart, and the attack of Nolting and Holman will always give them a chance. But unless someone unexpected breaks out, this team might just be stuck where they’ve been. Good enough to be dangerous. Not quite dangerous enough to win it all.