The upcoming PWHL off-season is set to be the most active yet, with the addition of four new teams for the next season. Negotiations between the existing eight teams and players can commence starting next week. A significant number of players in the league are on expiring contracts, leading to potential roster shake-ups for fans.
Notable players set to hit free agency include Taylor Heise (Minnesota Frost), Sarah Nurse (Vancouver Goldeneyes), Kendall Coyne Schofield (Minnesota Frost), and others. The league unveiled a detailed six-phase process for roster management after extensive discussions with the PWHL Players Association.
Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations, emphasized the importance of player involvement and competitive balance in the expansion roster distribution process. The league is thrilled to welcome Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose as it looks forward to continued growth.
The process kicks off with Phase 1, where existing teams can protect three players from signing with expansion teams. Each team will submit a list of 10 free agents they are interested in, with signings starting on June 2. Montreal Victoire has already identified their protected players, including Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Ann-Renée Desbiens.
In Phase 2, GMs of expansion teams will target 20 players, offering foundational contracts to build their rosters. Expansion teams can sign up to five players each during this phase, while existing teams can only lose a maximum of three players.
Phase 3 allows all unsigned players to negotiate with all 12 teams, with expansion teams limited to adding three more players each. The process includes additional signing windows and a draft on June 17, where top talent like Caroline Harvey will be up for grabs.
The off-season brings significant changes for players and GMs, with contract negotiations and roster adjustments on the agenda. While some teams will see familiar faces depart, the expansion provides opportunities for new talent to shine. Montreal Victoire, the reigning champions, will undergo transformations, but players are optimistic about the league’s growth.
The publication of players’ salaries ahead of the expansion signing period aims to assist players in their contract negotiations and decision-making process.
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