PWHL Exposes Top Players for Seattle, Vancouver Expansion Draft

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is preparing for its expansion draft as the new Seattle and Vancouver franchises build their rosters, with several star players left unprotected by their current teams. Among the most notable unprotected players are Boston Fleet captain Hilary Knight, who tied for the league scoring lead last season and is a candidate for the PWHL MVP award, and New York Sirens' Alex Carpenter, a top forward with significant scoring records. Other high-profile players available include Minnesota Frost's Claire Thompson, Ottawa Charge captain Brianne Jenner, and Toronto's Sarah Nurse. The PWHL has limited existing teams to protecting just three players, allowing the new franchises to sign up to five players each before the expansion draft to ensure immediate competitiveness. The expansion draft and signing window are part of a two-phase roster-building process, with the league's eight teams also preparing for the upcoming PWHL draft. This strategy highlights the league's commitment to competitive balance and growth as it enters its third season.