The Hockey News' Ian Kennedy runs down all the latest news and developments from the PWHL including the draft, free agency, trades, new markets, collectibles and more.
The Hockey News' Ian Kennedy runs down all the latest news and developments from the PWHL including the draft, free agency, trades, new markets, collectibles and more.
While the PWHL is on an international break, the league's front office and teams continue their on and off ice work. For the league, it's finishing trophy names, looking into business partnerships, completing plans for the draft, free agency, and trade deadline, and much more.
Here's a look at what we're heading and seeing this week from across the PWHL.
No no-trade clauses in the PWHL
Sources within the PWHL have confirmed that no player in the PWHL is protected by a no-trade or no-movement clause this season. Such clauses were "not permitted" in contracts. That means that conceivably, any player, including those on three-year guaranteed contracts could be traded. The logistics of moving one of those highly paid and protected players could prove difficult, but it's not out of the question, particularly if the return was another player on a similar contract. It's highly unlikely this happens, but in the world of professional sports...you never know. Speaking of trades, it's believed the PWHL Trade Deadline will be March 18. The CBA states that salary averages can be exceed by 10% due to in season trades meaning there should be some wiggle room for teams financially. According to TSN's Tessa Bonhomme, there's a chance the PWHL will allow teams to exceed this amount as set by the CBA as long as teams return to cap compliant before the following season.
PWHL Draft? Who's coming and who's not?
There have been a lot of question marks around the PWHL Draft, which will all be answered in the very near future. How many rounds, who's eligible? A comment this week on a podcast by PWHL Minnesota's Ken Klee sparked conversation, but according to multiple sources within the league, Klee's comments didn't match what teams have been told. Teams are expecting a smaller draft this year as most believe the pool of players who can actually crack PWHL lineups is smaller than some fans might think. Final details are all coming soon. Before that however, it's about players making decisions to enter the draft, or come to North America at all. In the NCAA, it's highly likely we see star players who could jump to the PWHL immediately like Natalie Mylnkova, Kristyna Kaltounkova, and Anne Cherkowski return for their fifth year of eligibility. The bigger question marks however, are coming from Europe. With Petra Nieminen signing for two more seasons in Lulea, it scratched one of the best in the world off the board. Other players like Japan's Haruka Toko have also re-signed with their SDHL teams in Sweden. But the list of players signalling they do not intend to make the jump, at least not next season, has grown. Sources confirm that list is likely to include Klára Peslarová, Lara Stalder, Anna Shibanova, Andrea Braendli, and Sara Hjalmarsson. Stalder has committed herself to building Switzerland's women's hockey landscape. Anything, however, can change. Conversely, other players have made their interest in joining the PWHL clear. Reports from Sweden previously stated Finland's Noora Tulus and Ronja Salvolainen are interested in joining the PWHL next season. The Hockey News has also confirmed players including Czechia's Daniela Pejsova, and Austria's Anna Meixner, who was the SDHL's MVP last season, are interested in exploring the PWHL. Another pair, Finland's Elisa Holopainen and Czechia's Michaela Pejzlova continue to make their decisions.
Is the PWHL testing Detroit and Pittsburgh as markets?
It makes sense to believe the PWHL didn't randomly throw a dart at a map of NHL teams and hit Detroit and then Pittsburgh. Both cities were in consideration for a PWHL franchise, and it makes sense for the league to test the markets for fan interest. It's a point Jayna Hefford confirmed in comments this week. Detroit would be a logical central team that would help bridge Minnesota's geographic isolation, while being a short distance to all other PWHL teams. Pittsburgh has always shown support for previous iterations of pro women's hockey including hosting PHF and PWHPA events. As well, Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby stated he supports the idea of a team coming to town. Is there a dedicated fan base ready to emerge in both or either of these markets? That's the question the PWHL will be looking to answer. Even if these games are a smashing success, don't get your hopes up for immediate expansion.
Free agency could result in a wild shuffle
57.9% of the PWHL will become unrestricted free agents this offseason, unless the league changes their current stance on contracts. From a labour standpoint it will provide players who were drafted this year with freedom to choose their destination. Some players may look to move closer to home or family and some may head back to their NCAA stomping grounds. Many will certainly stay in their current markets, but there will be others who are looking for a new opportunity, particularly once teams add via the draft.
PWHL Hockey Cards Coming?
After the planned PHF trading card series was scratched, it sounds like the PWHL could take that place with a set of Upper Deck hockey cards coming out sometime in the near future. It's another groundbreaking move that spans beyond the limited international releases that have come out in recent years. With the desperation for merchandise, these cards will certainly fly off the shelf.