:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48664607/GettyImages-494330422.0.jpg)
A good sign for fans who are hoping for backups for either team: The Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters have completed the first trade in NWHL history as per a direct release to Stanley Cup of Chowder.
Shenae Lundberg is on her way to the Connecticut Whale in a 1-for-1 swap with the New York Riveters for Chelsea Laden. They are only $1,000 apart in cap hit, and neither are primary goalies for their previous teams. Nana Fujimoto and Jenny Scrivens will likely hold onto their spots as primary goalies for New York and I'd be shocked if we don't see a lot more Jaimie Leonoff in net for Connecticut.
Connecticut have led the league all season, only losing two games all season - both to Boston, of course. New York was passed by Buffalo in the bottom half of the standings right before the all-star break. If the standings hold, the teams will meet in the semifinals.
Neither player has a NMC, though NWHL rules do allow them to exist.