Off season activity is common in the National Lacrosse League, and once again quality players will be changing their colors for a new season. Below are the top ten players who will be joining a new team in 2013. None of these include hold out players playing in the new year or draft picks.
1. Dan Dawson- Rochester Knighthawks
Dawson is the best right handed shooter in the NLL and one of the most dynamic play makers, making him an easy choice for the top player on the move in 2013. He was shipped to Rochester less than two weeks ago along with his brother, making for a crowded but solid right side for the Championship Knighthawks.
2. Shawn Williams- Buffalo Bandits
As the top scorer for Edmonton last season, Williams brings loads of talent and veteran leadership to the Bandits. The former Knighthawk will be one of the high scorers with the team there is no doubt after a trade with Minnesota earlier this off season.
3. Aaron Wilson- Buffalo Bandits
Wilson is a right handed shooter that Buffalo acquired after uncertainty with Luke Wiles. Wiles is there to stay, but they still have Wilson to be paired with him on that right side. He looks to have a bounce back year after struggling with Edmonton in 2012.
4. Chris White- Toronto Rock
White is the top free agent signing of the off season. He is switching sides from Buffalo to Toronto to make the Rock defense all that more dangerous. Already the top defensive unit in the league, White will look to bring the physicality and skill that made him the captain of Buffalo.
5. Paul Dawson- Rochester Knighthawks
Dawson had been in Philly for a few seasons but was sent to Rochester in the trade with his brother. With Pat McCready now gone, Dawson adds a physical defensive element to the Hawks.
6. Jordan Hall- Philadelphia Wings
As a part of the trade sending the Dawsons to Rochester, Philly has to be thrilled to have Jordan Hall. Hall will be on the IR until January 26th, but once he comes back they will have possibly the best transition player in the NLL. They could also have him play on the left side until Brendan Mundorf comes back.
7. Kevin Ross- Philadelphia Wings
This might be the most under rated pick up of the off season. Ross is a great lefty shooter that didn’t fit in the Minnesota long term plans, but Philadelphia is thrilled to have him. He will lead their lefty unit of Kevin Buchanan and Ned Crotty to start the season.
8. Derek Suddons- Buffalo Bandits
Buffalo needed a defender to replace Chris White, so they picked up Suddons, a free agent out of Edmonton who adds some stability to that back end.
9. Kevin Croswell- Philadelphia Wings
Maybe a back up goalie isn’t the most eye popping move of 2012, but Philly really needed a solid backup and Croswell will see plenty of time in 2013, maybe even a few starts to relieve Brandon Miller.
10. Paul Rabil- Philadelphia Wings
Yes, Rabil is all the way down to ten. Why? Because he is not an elite box lacrosse player. Sure, he’s great in field and held out in two cities, but Rabil at best is a marginal transition guy who will see some success in Philly, but the players listed above are better.
