The anticipation for the upcoming expansion of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is heating up as a host of star athletes have been left unprotected by their teams, now available to the new franchises in Seattle and Vancouver. Notable among the players unprotected is Boston Fleet captain and MVP contender Hilary Knight, alongside prominent names such as Kelly Pannek and Grace Zumwinkle from Minnesota, New York’s Alex Carpenter, Ottawa’s Brianne Jenner, veteran defenseman Jocelyne Larocque, and Toronto’s Sarah Nurse.
The unprotected players are released as part of the league’s two-phased roster-building strategy, beginning with a five-day exclusive signing window. This will be followed by an expansion draft scheduled for Monday, where Seattle and Vancouver will have the opportunity to sign up to five players each. The two teams will then draft to fill the remaining 12 roster spots.
This significant influx of talent stems from the PWHL’s initiative to bolster competitiveness for its newest teams ahead of the upcoming season, set to begin in November. Existing teams were limited to protecting just three players, with the option to designate a fourth once they lose two. As a consequence, each of the six current franchises will see four players allocated to the expansion process.
Hilary Knight, who had a remarkable season with 29 points, is looking at her future as her international career nears its end. She plans to make the 2026 Winter Games her final Olympic appearance representing the United States. However, Knight is keen on continuing her PWHL career and may be open to joining one of the new teams in the Pacific Northwest, given her offseason residency in Idaho and her existing relationship with Seattle’s GM, Meghan Turner.
In addition, the list features five players selected in the first round of the previous year’s draft, highlighting the depth of the pool available to the expansion teams. Notably, Claire Thompson’s future hangs in the balance as she contemplates her medical degree pursuits alongside her hockey career.
Both expansion teams also have an impressive roster of goaltending options, with Corinne Schroeder, Nicole Hensley, Emerance Maschmeyer, and Kristen Campbell among those available. The PWHL is also identifying prospective unrestricted free agents—players like Toronto’s Natalie Spooner and Boston’s Susanna Tapani—who will be available during the signing period but will not be part of the draft.
Overall, the expansion of the PWHL not only aims to enhance competitive balance but also to spotlight the immense talent in women’s hockey, providing fans with an exciting new chapter in the league’s growth. The move symbolizes a positive trajectory for women’s sports, showcasing the dedication and skills of these athletes while continuing to promote equity in professional athletics.