2025 PWHL Expansion: Discover the Newly Announced Player Protection Lists!

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is making waves as it gears up for the debut of its two new expansion teams: Seattle and Vancouver. On June 3, 2025, the league revealed the 18 players protected by the six inaugural teams from the upcoming Exclusive Signing Window and Expansion Draft.

Each team in the PWHL got to protect three players. This is the first step in building the rosters for Seattle and Vancouver for the 2025–26 season. After losing two players—either during the signing window or the draft—each team can protect a fourth player. To be eligible for protection, players must either have a contract for the upcoming season or have their rights held by a team.

Protected Players

Here’s the breakdown of the protected players:

• Boston Fleet: Aerin Frankel (G), Megan Keller (D), Alina Müller (F)
• Minnesota Frost: Kendall Coyne Schofield (F), Taylor Heise (F), Lee Stecklein (D)
• Montréal Victoire: Ann-Renée Desbiens (G), Marie-Philip Poulin (F), Laura Stacey (F)
• New York Sirens: Sarah Fillier (F), Ella Shelton (D), Micah Zandee-Hart (D)
• Ottawa Charge: Emily Clark (F), Gwyneth Philips (G), Ronja Savolainen (D)
• Toronto Sceptres: Renata Fast (D), Blayre Turnbull (F), Daryl Watts (F)

Key Dates

The Exclusive Signing Window runs from June 4 to June 8, 2025. During this time, expansion teams can sign a maximum of five players. There’s no minimum number required, allowing flexibility for these new teams.

After that, the Expansion Draft on June 9 will let Seattle and Vancouver select players to fill the rest of their rosters, aiming for a total of 12 players each. If one team has fewer players signed beforehand, they’ll get extra chances in the draft.

Impact of Expansion

The addition of Seattle and Vancouver reflects the growing popularity of women’s sports, especially hockey. According to a recent survey by the Women’s Sports Foundation, viewership of women’s sports has jumped by 50% over the last five years. This trend shows an increasing support base, which could be a game-changer as these teams build their identities in the league.

The enthusiasm on social media has been palpable, with fans sharing their excitement for the new teams. Twitter and Instagram have seen hashtags like #PWHLSeattle and #PWHLVancouver trending as followers eagerly await the new season.

Conclusion

The PWHL’s protective measures and the expansion draft symbolize a significant moment in women’s hockey. As Seattle and Vancouver prepare to make their mark, fans have a lot to look forward to. This is not just about the new players; it’s about the growth and recognition of women in sports. The PWHL is paving the way for future generations.

For more information on the latest updates and ticket availability for the teams, you can visit trusted sources like NHL.com or the official PWHL website.

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