PWHL tams can expect deep cuts to their rosters as the PWHL has unveiled their "comprehensive process" for player dispersal including their expansion draft and  2025 PWHL Draft, which are "all structured to promote competitive balance and provide the two new PWHL teams with the opportunity to build a strong foundational roster."

 Each of the PWHL's six teams will relinquish four players to the new PWHL expansion teams slated to launch in Seattle and Vancouver net season.

Here's a look at the details of the 2025-26 expansion process.

Player Protection Lists Due June 3

Each of the six inaugural PWHL teams will only be able to initially protect three players from selection in the Exclusive Signing Window and the Expansion Draft.

It will mean the new teams will be selecting top line star players from each roster. After a team has relinquished two players, they'll be able to protect one additional player increasing their protected list to four players.

Players protected must be under contract for 2025-26 or the team must hold their rights through 2025-26 as would be the case with recently drafted players like New York's Sarah Fillier. 

Exclusive Signing Window Opens June 4

Following protected lists being submitted, PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle will be granted a five-day exclusive signing window to sign a maximum of five players. Teams do not need to meet a minimum number of signings. Any unprotected player or any player on an expiring contract is eligible to be signed. The window will close on June 8 at 5pm.

Expansion Draft To Be Held June 9

Whether through the exclusive signing period or the 2025 Expansion Draft, PWHL Vancouver and PWHL Seattle will select at least seven players on June 9 until they have reached a 12-player roster. The exact number of players selected will depend on how many players each of the expansion teams signed during the exclusive signing window.

The selection order will be determined at a different date.

New York Holds First Pick For June 24 Entry Draft

The New York Sirens will still have the first overall pick based on the PWHL's 'Gold Plan' system. The league has yet to state what order the two expansion teams will be selecting.