The PWHL expansion draft took its first steps this week with the announcements of which players on each team will be protected from selection by Seattle and Vancouver. For the Toronto Sceptres, the decision was to lock up their top defender, Renata Fast, their captain, Blayre Turnbull, and top scorer, Daryl Watts.
Protected Players
The reasoning behind the players protected by GM Gina Kingsbury shows that the identity of the team was emphasized in the form of scrappy captain Turnbull, who’s shown a quiet fortitude and intensity that carried through the lineup. Fast, of course, was an obvious choice, after an impressive season that led to nominations for best defender and league MVP. She’ll continue to anchor the defense. And Watts, who signed as a free agent last summer, got the nod because of her unique skill set and her value contract.
Unprotected Players
The choice of Watts left the team’s original free agent signee Sarah Nurse at the top of the list of exposed players. Money was certainly a factor in this decision, as was Nurse’s underwhelming season that saw her play 21 of 30 games and score 14 points (6G, 8A) after a debut season where she had 23 points in 24 games. At 26, Watts is also four years younger than Nurse and had a breakout season in which Sceptres’ coach Troy Ryan had a major role. Continuing to build on her offense and add more complete defense will make Watts a key figure in Toronto’s future.
The Sceptres also left goaltender Kristen Campbell, defender Savannah Harmon, and forward Emma Maltais unprotected. Those three come with large $80k+ contracts which might be an inhibiting factor for Seattle and Vancouver when they consider selecting players. Campbell had a disappointing end to the 24-25 season which should keep her from being chosen but gives goalie coach Brad Kirkwood a chance to help her find her form.
Maltais is definitely someone who will interest the two new teams, a speedy and skilled forward who can play wing or center and provide a feistiness that any lineup could use. If expansion GMs look a little deeper into the Sceptres’ roster, they will find valuable assets in players like defender Allie Munroe, first-round draft pick Julia Gosling, and versatile forward Izzy Daniel.
Free Agent Factor
For the Sceptres, their expansion conundrum is complicated by the number of valuable free agents that might leave as well. Hannah Miller is one of the league’s main prizes this off-season, and as a British Columbia native, it would not surprise anyone if she chose to return out west. Jesse Compher also had a breakout season and could be targeted by any of the other seven teams who have extra salary cap space. Defender Kali Flanagan quietly put together a solid season that makes her a vital component, and Kingsbury has to hope the team can lure her back.
What’s Likely to Happen?
Although the Sceptres had enviable forward depth this past season, the losses that will hit their lineup will cut sharply into their offense. It’s on the blue line, however, that they have to consider preserving what strength they can. Losing Munroe, Harmon, and Flanagan would be devastating. Rookie Megan Carter has shown great potential and needs to be considered an integral player, too. When the first two players are taken in the expansion draft, expect Toronto to protect Munroe, who is an alternate captain and is a hugely valuable member of the leadership group, not to mention a sturdy defensive presence.
The Sceptres will certainly lose Sarah Nurse, and likely Maltais and Gosling as well. One of their defenders will probably be taken, so the team will have to attempt to lessen the damage with their fourth protection. No matter how it plays out, there will be holes in their lineup that Kingsbury has to try to fill with their own free agents, additions from free agency, or in the entry draft.