Though no date has been set for the beginning of the 2020 Major League Lacrosse season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several coaches expressed to US Lacrosse Magazine prior to the collegiate draft that a July 4 start could be feasible.

Through the end of next week, US Lacrosse Magazine will release previews for each of the six teams, going alphabetically by city. Check back each day to learn about another team.

These previews appeared in the May/June edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don't get the mag? Subscribe today.

MLL Team Previews

Boston Cannons
Chesapeake Bayhawks
Connecticut Hammerheads
Denver Outlaws
New York Lizards
Philadelphia Barrage

Boston Cannons

2019 regular season record: 9-7
Last seen: Losing in MLL semifinals

MVP Watch
Mark Cockerton

The high-scoring lefty attackman was a finalist for the MLL MVP award in 2019, and his stock is even higher in 2020. In 2019, he played in all 16 games — only the second time in his six-year career he was able to suit up in every contest.

He compiled a career-best 52 points off 43 goals (third-most in the league) and nine assists. In the 2020 offseason, the Cannons added more firepower on attack, bringing in a talented dodger in Bryce Wasserman and arguably the league’s best passer in Randy Staats. Add in the attention Kyle Jackson, Challen Rogers, Kyle Denhoff and the newly acquired Bryan Cole will draw in midfield, and Cockerton could get a lot of great looks.

Under the Radar
Mike Skudin

Back in Major League Lacrosse after retiring after the 2017 season, Skudin played 10 games for the Boston Cannons in 2019. The two-time MLL champion was a valuable addition to the Cannons defense. He finished the year first on the team in interceptions (4) and tied for fifth in caused turnovers (10).

Losses

James Burr (A), Connor O’Hara (A),  Ryland Reese (LSM), P.T. Ricci (LSM), Will Sands (A), Zed Williams (M)

Additions

Lukas Buckley (M), Bryan Cole (M), Scott Corcoran (D), Matt Gilray (LSM), Nick Mellen (D), Austin Shanks (M), Randy Staats (A), Bryce Wasserman (A)

Welcome to Boston, Nick Mellen Our first-round draft pick out of Syracuse has officially signed his contract #ReadyForBattle pic.twitter.com/a8PUomEfbL

— Boston Cannons (@BostonCannons) May 15, 2020

Burning question
How do the new pieces fit?

The Cannons made the playoffs for the first time since 2015 thanks in part to a large returning core of players. The team has been busy re-shaping the roster in the 2020 offseason, acquiring Randy Staats, Bryan Cole, Bryce Wasserman, Scott Corcoran and Matt Gilray in separate trades.

Will the All-Star additions add to the team’s success as planned, or will so many big changes negatively affect the chemistry?