The Boston Fleet locked up franchise players Megan Keller, Alina Müller and Aerin Frankel with two-year standard player contract extensions, the team announced Monday.
The trio were the first three players Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer protected in the PWHL’s expansion draft in June, and now Keller, Müller and Frankel will remain in Boston through the 2027028 season.
“These are three of the best players in the world at their respective positions, and having them committed to Boston gives us an elite core to build around,” Marmer said in a statement released by the team. “Aerin is the backbone of our team, and we have a chance to win every single night with her in net. Megan is the fabric of our identity and represents everything we love about Boston hockey by being physical, relentless, and reliable at both ends of the ice. Alina has one of the highest hockey IQs in the game and sees the ice incredibly well, elevates everyone around her, and will be a key driver of our offense.
“With this group leading the way, we’re in great hands for the next three years. Beyond their talent, these are leaders who represent what it means to be part of the Boston Fleet. Their legacy is already being written here, and we know our fans will be proud to continue cheering them on for years to come.”
Keller was one of the first three players the Fleet signed before the PWHL’s inaugural season in 2024. She has manned the blue line in all 54 regular-season games for Boston, amassing nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points. Keller recorded four assists in eight postseason games for the Fleet.
“I’m beyond excited to be part of the Boston Fleet organization for the next three years,” Keller said, per the team statement. “Boston has truly become home, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to keep building something special here. Most of all, I can’t wait to get back on the ice in front of our amazing fans!”
Frankel, along with Keller and former captain Hilary Knight, was also signed by Boston before the Fleet took the ice for the PWHL’s debut on Jan. 1, 2024. The Patty Kazmaier Award-winning goaltender solidified her spot in PWHL history by becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career saves last season. In two seasons, Frankel leads all goaltenders in career regular season saves (1,046), is tied for second in games (41), ranks third in wins (20), and is tied for third in save percentage (.924).
“Every time I step on the ice, I’m reminded of how special it is to represent Boston,” Frankel said, per the team statement. “The passion of the fans, the support from the organization, and the bond with my teammates mean the world to me. I don’t take any of it for granted and couldn’t be more excited to extend my contract in the city of Boston.”
Müller was selected third overall by Boston in the first PWHL draft and made history by being the first international player drafted into the league. The forward tallied 35 points in 50 games for the Fleet and led the league in shorthanded jailbreak goals with two last season, including one scored just nine seconds into a penalty kill in Boston’s overtime win against the Ottawa Charge on Feb. 20.
“I am so happy and grateful to stay in Boston for three more years and continue building towards a championship,” Müller said, per the team statement. “Boston has become home, both on and off the ice, and I’m honored to continue representing this city and this organization. To my teammates, the coaches, the organization and the fans, thank you for the dedication. I can’t wait to get back on the ice and chase something special with this group.”
The Fleet also extended forward Loren Gabel to a one-year Standard Player Agreement through the 2025-26 season on July 24. The Clarkson University product was drafted 22nd overall in the fourth round of the inaugural draft by Boston. She tallied seven points in 17 games in her rookie season. Gabel skated in 20 games last season for Boston, recording two goals and one assist.
“Loren is one of the most skilled players in our group and has the ability to make an impact in ways few can,” Marmer said in a release by the team. “We believe there’s still more to unlock in her game and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can bring in season three.”
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