With the NLL trade deadline rapidly approaching and speculation running rampant, the Minnesota Swarm and New England Black Wolves have come to terms on a trade that see’s the two East Division teams swap their captains. The Minnesota Swarm will send Andrew Suitor to the Black Wolves in exchange for Joel White and a 2017 2nd round pick.
The Black Wolves and Swarm are currently dwelling in the East Division basement, and where expected to be active at the 2015 NLL trade deadline, however a swap of team captains was completely unexpected. Sources out of Minnesota led us to believe Captain Andrew Suitor was one of the only members of the Swarm to be on the trade block. Meanwhile 25 year old Joel White was quickly becoming an elite defender with the New England Black Wolves, using his size and athleticism to excel in the indoor game.
Joel White is currently playing his fourth NLL season after beginning his career in 2012 with the Rochester Knighthawks. The Syracuse Orange Alum, appeared in 6 games with the Knighthawks as a rookie, but following a trade to the Philadelphia Wings became a mainstay on their back end. In two seasons with the Wings before the club moved to New England, White appeared in 23 games, racking up 3 goals & 13 assists for 16 points, along with 33 penalty minutes, while scooping up 215 loose balls. This season White was named captain of the New England Black Wolves, and has arguably been their top defender. Through 10 games White has recorded 7 goals and 3 assists for 10 points, along with 2 penalty minutes and 117 loose balls. The 6’2, 200 pound defender from Cortland, New York should provide the size, athleticism and leadership the Swarm have been looking for.
Suitor meanwhile is currently competing in his 5th NLL season after being drafted by the Swarm out of the Orangeville Northmen program, where he captained the team to back to back Minto Cup Championships. Suitor is a heart and soul defender, that where’s his emotions on his sleeve. A physical, smart, athletic defender with a strong all around game and ability to contribute at both ends of the floor, Suitor will be a key piece in the New England Black Wolves future. Prior to this season, Suitor had spent his whole career with the Swarm organization, recording 33 goals & 27 assists for 60 points, along with 202 penalty minutes and 368 loose balls. Thus far this season the 25 year old, 5’11 190 pound defender had racked up 9 goals & 6 assists for 15 points, along with 20 penalty minutes and 60 loose balls.
While this move may address some internal needs, on paper each team is getting a fairly similar player. White has more size and athletic ability, while Suitor brings grit, transition ability and leadership to the Black Wolves. With the Swarm adding a 2nd round pick in 2017, they may come out slightly on top in this deal.
