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6mo ago

PWHL Reveals Protected Rosters Ahead of Seattle and Vancouver Signing Window

Each inaugural team named three protected players, allowing the two new clubs to begin signing exposed talent from June 4 to June 8 ahead of the expansion draft.

Blayre Turnbull of Stellarton was one of three players protected by the Toronto Sceptres ahead of the PWHL expansion draft.
Mae Batherson of Port Williams celebrates with the Walter Cup after the Minnesota Frost won the Professional Women's Hockey League championship on May 26.
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Toronto Sceptres players celebrate a goal against the Minnesota Frost during PWHL playoff hockey action in Toronto on May 7. The league is expanding to eight teams with the addition of Vancouver and Seattle.

Overview

  • All six original PWHL teams submitted protection lists, each shielding three players and exposing four from their 2024-25 rosters.
  • High-profile players left unprotected include Hilary Knight, Sarah Nurse, Alex Carpenter and Erin Ambrose, making them available to expansion squads.
  • Seattle and Vancouver can each sign up to five unprotected or expiring-contract players during the exclusive June 4–8 signing window.
  • The expansion draft on June 9 will proceed in rounds until both teams have 12 players, with each existing club losing exactly four roster members.
  • After the expansion draft, all eight franchises will finalize rosters at the PWHL entry draft on June 24 in Ottawa.