With PWHL Vancouver and Seattle announcing their initial acquisitions during the exclusive signing window, the original six teams now start to eye the holes appearing in their lineups. The expansion teams will no doubt grab many quality players and get some bargains by signing rookies from the 2024-25 season.
Already we’ve seen both teams reach for Claire Thompson, Cayla Barnes, and Danielle Serdachny, all of whom were on lesser contracts than the $80k+ group of players like Hilary Knight and Emerance Maschmeyer.
It appears to give those two teams a financial advantage in that they can avoid the heavy price tags that come with some older players or underachievers and be judicious in where they spend their cap dollars.
But both teams are sure to pick up at least a few of the stars that cost more. And it’s important to note that the rookies who signed this week have negotiated raises that put them near or into that level.
Perhaps the other six teams can hope the playing field will be leveled somewhat so they can compete to retain the unrestricted free agents that could make or break their own rosters.
Here’s a look at the top names on that list from each team:
Boston: Susanna Tapani, Lexie Adzija, Loren Gabel, Theresa Schafzahl, Jessica DiGirolamo
Minnesota: Michela Cava, Liz Schepers, Mellissa Channell-Watkins, Maddie Rooney
Montreal : Claire Dalton, Catherine Dubois, Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Dominika Laskova, Mariah Keopple, Kati Tabin, Elaine Chuli
New York: Chloe Aurard, Elizabeth Giguere, Jade Downie-Landry, Brooke Hobson
Ottawa : Tereza Vanisova, Rebecca Leslie, Shiann Darkangelo, Zoe Boyd, Jincy Roese
Toronto: Natalie Spooner, Hannah Miller, Jesse Compher, Kali Flanagan, Maggie Connors
It’s wise for Seattle and Vancouver not to sign any of these players now, because they would forfeit a slot that they can use during the expansion draft. Unless it’s Hannah Miller or Michela Cava, don’t expect any of the UFA’s to sign until regular free agency opens.
For a team like Montreal, who are sure to suffer heavy losses to their blue line, re-signing Mariah Keopple and Kati Tabin becomes imperative. Keeping Dominika Laskova or at least replacing her with another depth defender would be huge as well.
In Toronto, where their forward depth will take a hit in expansion, the prospect of losing Jesse Compher and Maggie Connors would hurt, even assuming they can re-sign Natalie Spooner. And although it’s assumed Hannah Miller will leave for Vancouver, GM Gina Kingsbury has said that she hopes the history the team has built with Miller will at least allow them a fair shot at retaining her.
If Minnesota loses goaltender Nicole Hensley in expansion, they have to work hard to retain Walter Cup-winning netminder Maddie Rooney. And Boston needs to set their sights on keeping Susanna Tapani as their forward ranks will be reduced.
Communication is allowed now between any of the eight teams and these free agents, meaning that calls are being made to attempt to persuade some important players to stay where they are. And with so many vital pieces leaving, this part of the expansion process could be what tips the scales in deciding which teams start next season with a PWHL-ready roster.