PWHL free agency opened at 9am on June 16. Teams across the league are furiously in conversation with players. Here's the most recent rumours, signings, trade talk, and more.
Buchbinder Reportedly Signs
According to Kyle Cushman of The Score, Natalie Buchbinder has agreed to a two-year contract with the PWHL's Minnesota Frost. Buchbinder has spent two seasons with the Frost and would immediately be considered their #2 defender after the team lost Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques. Buchbinder is a solid defensive defender. Minnesota is believed to be fighting to retain multiple members of their blueline who are currently more likely to leave than stay.
Cava Getting Interest
As previously reported, it's unlikely Michela Cava returns to the Minnesota Frost next season. She's reportedly been receiving interest from almost every team in the league, but it's believed the frontrunner is PWHL Vancouver. Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey stated she'd be targeting top six forwards in free agency, and Cava is not only that, but she's a big game player who impacts the game in other ways.
Mariah Keopple In High Demand
A shot blocking defender who is reliable, consistent, and takes care of her own zone first? It's something every PWHL team wants and Mariah Keopple is a player who fits that description. She was in high demand and saw her value climb in her first two years, both with Montreal. Could she be back in Montreal? Could she head to Vancouver with her former Princeton coach? She's a player who will likely be off the market by end of day.
Vanisova Getting Calls And Offers From Everywhere
She'll probably decide today, but Tereza Vanisova has been fielding interest from almost all corners of the PWHL. The reason a decision might be delayed today is that two PWHL teams abided by the league's informal rules and have yet to make offers to players as of this morning. The rest of the league was reportedly in free-for-all mode all week negotiating prior to the free agency window opening. Ottawa remains a leading contender for Vanisova, but it's believed she's getting serious interest from Seattle and Boston, and might even get an offer to return to Montreal where she was traded away from during year one, or Toronto where she played in the PHF.