PWHL Expansion: New Teams, Star Players, and Championship Roster Moves!

Pinellas Park, United States - As the excitement builds around the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), fans are abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming expansion draft. With two new teams joining the league, the PWHL is making waves on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. Currently, the league boasts six teams, split evenly, with Canadian franchises like the Montreal Victoire and Toronto Sceptres welcoming newcomers such as a franchise in Vancouver. Meanwhile, U.S. teams including the Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, and New York Sirens are positioned well ahead of the expansion opportunities. NGSC Sports reports that the Minnesota Frost, who proudly claimed back-to-back championships, have been particularly active as the draft approaches.

With the signing window officially opened on June 5 at 9 A.M. and set to close on Sunday at 5 P.M., the clock is ticking for both Seattle’s general manager Meghan Turner and Vancouver’s Cara Gardner Morey. Each is gearing up to build teams that reflect their unique strategies: Turner is focused on fostering a solid leadership core while Gardner Morey seeks players with energy and intensity. The expansion draft is just around the corner, scheduled for Monday at 8:30 P.M., with the entry draft to follow on June 24 at 7 P.M. The new franchises can sign up to five unprotected players and unrestricted free agents from the existing teams, leading to some noteworthy potential selections.

Players to Watch

Among the most talked-about players in the draft are notable names such as Hilary Knight from the Boston Fleet, who is not only the Team USA captain but also tied for the league lead with 29 points. Similarly, Alex Carpenter of the New York Sirens brings Olympic experience to the table. Other key unprotected players include:

• Sarah Nurse – A gold medalist with Team Canada, and impactful even at 30 years old.
• Erin Ambrose – Recognized with the Top Defender award, thanks to her high hockey IQ.
• Michela Cava – The leading scorer in PWHL playoff history, a true asset for any team.
• Hannah Miller – Known for her power-play prowess and Olympic experience with China.
• Kati Tabin – An effective shot blocker who shone in one of the longest playoff games.

The strategic maneuvering of the upcoming teams is complemented by the performance of Minnesota Frost players, who recently celebrated their second consecutive Walter Cup. On May 26, 2025, the Frost clinched victory against the Ottawa Charge in a nail-biting overtime match, wrapped up with Liz Schepers scoring the decisive goal. The team has enjoyed a strong fan following, evidenced by the fervor displayed at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul during the finals. Minnesota PWHL highlights the team’s ongoing commitment to building a robust roster, as they worked to protect players ahead of the expansion draft.

Continuing the Momentum

The Minnesota Frost have not only been busy with protection lists, recently adding forward Britta Curl-Salemme to their roster, making her the fourth player chosen to safeguard as they look ahead to the draft. With the team aiming for sustained success, they follow the league’s guidelines which allow each of the six inaugural teams to protect three players. Announcements regarding star players have kept fans engaged as well; recognition for the May Supra Stars of the Month was made, showcasing multiple forwards, defenders, and even a goaltender.

As the clock ticks down to the expansion draft, the anticipation for what’s next in the PWHL is palpable. The strategic decisions unfolding across franchises will shape the future dynamics of the league as veteran and emerging talents alike vie for a spot in this thrilling hockey environment. With such a strong lineup of players ready to make their mark, it’s safe to say there’s something to be said for excitement as the PWHL continues to grow the game of women’s hockey. Stay tuned—the ice is about to get a lot hotter!