The Boston Fleet head into 2025–26 carrying some of the most dramatic roster turnover in the PWHL. As part of the expansion reshuffle, Hilary Knight signed with Seattle — a move Boston can’t simply offset. During the expansion draft, Seattle claimed Hannah Bilka, while Vancouver picked off Emily Brown and Sydney Bard, all unprotected by the Fleet.
But Boston didn’t sit still. Instead of trying to patch holes with veterans, the Fleet leaned into a long-term vision. Their foundation is set: Aerin Frankel, Megan Keller, and Alina Müller all signed multi-year extensions, giving the team stability in goal, on the blue line, and up front.
On July 23, the Fleet turned the page behind the bench as well, hiring Kris Sparre as their second head coach in franchise history. Sparre, who spent years developing players at the junior and pro levels, brings a reputation for communication and fresh tactical ideas. For younger players and returnees trying to elevate their role, the coaching change represents both a challenge and a chance.
From there, the front office doubled down on youth. The draft delivered a potential franchise cornerstone in Haley Winn, a dynamic defender signed to a multi-year deal, and two-way forward Ella Huber, who joins on a two-year contract. Both represent Boston’s bet that upside and development will outweigh the certainty of older veterans.
To fill out the roster, Boston added depth on defense with Zoe Boyd and Rylind MacKinnon, brought in goaltender Abbey Levy to strengthen the crease, and added scoring options up front with Laura Kluge, Chloé Aurard, and Liz Schepers. It’s a group with a mix of experience and potential — but it leaves plenty of opportunity for returning players to carve out larger roles.
That’s where Shay Maloney comes in.
Maloney describes last season as a process of growth. “I think last year for me was definitely a learning year. I came into the league not knowing what was going to happen, not having many expectations. I just put my best foot forward every single day.”
“So going into this next year is carrying that momentum from the end of last season into this next season, to kind of take a hold of that new opportunity. I'm going to show up and do my job and try and be the best person, the best teammate, and the best player I can be every single day.”
Her approach to leadership is shaped by the veterans who helped her adjust in Boston. Maloney points to Knight, Keller, and Jamie Lee Rattray as players who created a culture of inclusion she wants to carry forward.
“I learned a lot from Hillary (Knight), and she's an incredible captain. She's an incredible person. And she really taught me a lot of things about leadership, in ways outside of the rink.”
“It was the guidance from her, from Megan Keller, from Rattray, that kind of set that foundation of the expectations for bringing in new people because I felt so welcomed when I came to Boston. And I want individuals to feel the same when they come here.”
Maloney is also optimistic about what Sparre brings to the Fleet.
“He has a pretty hefty background in hockey and a great outlook on the game. So it's going to be good for us to see his new style and how it fits with the players we have on the roster. I'm excited to get started with him and see what we can do here.”
That emphasis on culture may be just as important as what happens on the ice. With so many new players arriving from Europe, NCAA programs, and other PWHL teams, Maloney sees an opportunity to help maintain continuity.
“I think with change comes opportunity. We have gotten a lot of great people, and a lot of people that fit our character here in Boston, and they're going to fit in so well with the culture that our leaders have built throughout the past couple of years.
“So I think that it's exciting and it is new, but it's a new adventure. It's an opportunity to build something.”
Boston’s roster is undeniably younger and less predictable than last year’s group, but the direction is clear. The team has locked in its elite core for the long term, surrounded them with high-upside rookies, and trusted players like Maloney to help bridge the gap between veterans and newcomers.
In many ways, Maloney embodies what Boston hopes this retooled roster will become: hardworking, team-first, and ready to grow into a bigger role.