PWHL camps are only six weeks away. Each team still has question marks when it comes to filling out their rosters. Here's a look at a camp storyline to follow from each of the PWHL's six franchises.
PWHL training camps are a month and a half away. Each of the PWHL's six teams have filled their training camp rosters with signed players, draft picks, and free agent invites. While most teams look like they have a solid grasp on their roster, there are still fights for roster spots that will ensue.
Here's a look at one storyline to follow for each PWHL team.
Boston Fleet - Ilona Markova Looks To Claim Her Spot
Ilona Markova is a name every PWHL fan will watch closely. Her visa process is on track to bring the Russian forward to North America this season. She'll be the first Russian player to attempt to crack a PWHL roster, and if she doesn't, she'll head back to the ZhHL as other leagues, including the SDHL in Sweden will not sign Russian players. Markova will find herself in a fight for a roster spot with veteran Jillian Dempsey and draft pick Shay Maloney. Markova, 22, is a prospect with a high upside, but who will have one of the biggest jumps to make from the ZhHL to PWHL. If she's successful, we could soon see a wave of Russian players attempting the jump.
Minnesota Frost - Who will make up their fourth line?
For all the talk of best-on-best last year, in the end it was depth on depth that won games. Minnesota lost a few key members of their depth this offseason, and they have 3-5 jobs up for grabs in depth roles. Dominique Petrie, Katy Knoll, and Brooke McQuigge will all look to claim roster spots in camp after being selected in the 2025 Draft, but they'll be up against returning veterans like Claire Butorac and Brooke Bryant. There are several depth positions up for grabs in Minnesota, and those signings could be make or break for Minnesota's repeat aspirations.
Montreal Victoire - What will happen with Abby Boreen?
There's a chance this is resolved before camp, but the situation with Abby Boreen remains one to watch. If Montreal has figured out her schooling, Boreen will be a boost to Montreal's size and depth down the wing. If Boreen is signed and settled before camp, the biggest battle for a roster spot may be on the blueline where Anna Kjellbin, Anna Wilgren, Kelly-Ann Nadeau, and Catherine Daoust will be front runners for the final two spots.
New York Sirens - Picks Vs. Veterans
New York is bringing back almost all of their unsigned veterans to fight for a spot in training camp. They also have a quartet of unsigned forwards from the 2025 Draft. Sarah Fillier, once signed, is a lock. Right now Elle Hartje and Gabby Rosenthal are frontrunners up front, and pick Emmy Fecteau will be given every opportunity to make the team. But New York isn't going to settle for a similar fate to last season. They might let some of these camp competitions play out. On the blueline there will be a lot to watch as players vie for the 7-8 slots. Chaya Edwards is an intriguing prospect to watch in that competition against returning PWHL veterans.
Ottawa Charge - Who loses their job?
With 12 forward, six defenders, and three goalies already signed heading into camp, the biggest question here isn't who will make the team, it's who won't. It's hard not to see Stephanie Markowski as the favorite on the blueline to take the final roster spot, but if she makes it, what will the team do with Madeline Wethington? Up front Mannon McMahon likely has the edge, but what does that mean for Audrey-Anne Veillette and Taylor House, or even some of Ottawa's already signed players. Could someone beat out a player like Alexa Vasko for a roster spot? Ottawa enters with a roster that's close to complete, but no team has shown the willingness to make moves like Ottawa did in year one. They won't rest on status quo if there's the potential for more upside from a player currently on the outside looking in.
Toronto Spectres - Can their picks stick?
Toronto has 12 forward signed, and it's a group that not only includes a plethora of players with national team experience, but those who don't have it are players like former Patty Kazmaier winners Daryl Watts and Izzy Daniel. Their two unsigned forward picks, Noemi Neubauerova and Anneke Linser, both have the potential to be impact players in their own way. They offer size, checking abilities, and two-way contributions. One will certainly land as Toronto's 13th forward, but does that mean the other will settle for a reserve role? If Natalie Spooner misses the start of the season, it's likely both stick to start the year. On the blueline, pick Lauren Bernard and free agent invite Rylind MacKinnon will fight for roster spots. Their main competition will be returning veteran Lauriane Rougeau. Someone from that trio will land as a reserve, or be looking for another team.