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PWHL Sets Expansion Draft Procedures for Vancouver and Seattle

The league confirms June 3 as the protection list deadline, with a signing window and draft to establish the new franchises' rosters.

Member of the Vancouver Angels girls ice hockey team help announce that the PWHL will be expanding to Vancouver during a press event in Vancouver, on Wednesday April 23, 2025. The new team will begin play in the 2025-26 season. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Rich Lam
Ottawa Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips (33) makes a pad save as Zoe Boyd (3) defends against Montreal Victoire's Jennifer Gardiner (12) during third period PWHL playoff hockey action in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Jocelyne Larocque, left, seen celebrating with Charge teammate Shiann Darkangelo after an Ottawa goal against the Montreal Victoire in Round 1, isn't getting distracted despite the PWHL's decision to release expansion draft rules on Monday, just before the league playoff final begins.
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Overview

  • The PWHL's inaugural teams must submit player protection lists by June 3, safeguarding three players each before the expansion process begins.
  • Vancouver and Seattle will have an exclusive signing window from June 4–8 to add up to five unprotected or expiring-contract players each.
  • The expansion draft is scheduled for June 9, allowing the new franchises to build their 12-player rosters by selecting from unprotected players.
  • Inaugural teams can protect a fourth player after losing two players during the signing window or draft to maintain competitive balance.
  • The 2025 PWHL Draft will take place on June 24 in Ottawa, with the New York Sirens holding the first overall pick.