PWHL Expansion Draft Overview
Following the recent award of the Walter Cup to the Minnesota Frost, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) now enters a significant phase: its inaugural expansion draft. Starting June 4 and running through June 8, existing teams will face a strategic challenge as they prepare to lose four players each from their 2024-25 rosters, culminating in the expansion draft on June 9. Before this process begins, teams are required to identify up to three players they wish to shield from being selected in the draft.
Only players who are under contract or otherwise retained until at least 2026 are eligible for protection. General Managers are tasked with a complex deliberation given the immense talent across the league, making decisions informed by their roster philosophies—balancing the need for offensive power against leadership and experience or the pursuit of immediate success against future potential.
Protection Picks by Team
Minnesota Frost
Protection Picks: Marie-Philip Poulin (F), Laura Stacey (F), Ann-Renée Desbiens (G)
Unquestionably, Poulin, recognized as the world’s preeminent women’s hockey player, will remain with Minnesota. Her frequent linemate, Stacey—who tied the knot last year—also earns a spot due to her substantial contributions. Desbiens rounds out the list as the league’s top goaltender this season, showcasing an impressive 1.86 goals against average and .932 save percentage.
Toronto Sceptres
Protection Picks: Renata Fast (D), Blayre Turnbull (F), Daryl Watts (F)
Fast is an exceptional talent, having illustrated her prowess on both ends of the ice and earning a finalist nod for MVP this season. Turnbull, as the team’s captain, embodies reliable leadership. The final protective slot will spark debate between Watts, who led the team in scoring, and Nurse, a strong performer albeit hampered by injuries.
Ottawa Charge
Protection Picks: Emily Clark (F), Gwyneth Philips (G), Ashton Bell (D)
The Charge face a tough decision as they select their protected players from a roster featuring notable talent. Clark’s impact in the playoffs was significant, making her an easy choice. Philips, the standout rookie and playoff MVP, should also be secured, despite the temptation to shield veteran Maschmeyer.
Boston Fleet
Protection Picks: Aerin Frankel (G), Megan Keller (D), Hilary Knight (F)
Consistency with a winning mindset characterizes Boston’s protected players. Knight remains a pivotal force; however, her age brings uncertainty regarding her longevity in the league, complicating the decision regarding her inclusion over potential younger prospects.
New York Sirens
Protection Picks: Alex Carpenter (F), Sarah Fillier (F), Corinne Schroeder (G)
The Sirens look to maintain a balance of offensive prowess by protecting Carpenter and Fillier, both of whom excelled this past season. The final choice lies between protecting elite goaltender Schroeder or top defender Shelton. Opting to safeguard Schroeder is prudent, as filling her position could prove challenging.
Conclusion
As teams brace for the upheaval caused by the expansion draft, the PWHL’s competitive landscape is poised for transformation, with elite talent likely shifting to emerging franchises in Seattle and Vancouver. The forthcoming weeks promise to reshape team dynamics as they each aim for strategic integrity amid this new era of growth in women’s hockey.
