The PWHL announced the expansion roster building process following the addition of two new franchises in Seattle and Vancouver. One of the key rules: each existing team can protect three players from its current roster, either those under contract for next season or whose rights the team still holds.

For Ottawa, the decision won’t come easy. Fifteen players are eligible for protection, including standouts like Emily Clark, Emerance Maschmeyer, Brianne Jenner, Gwyneth Philips, and Kateřina Mrázová. Narrowing that list to just three is no small task, especially given how this group has come together during an impressive playoff run that now has them playing for the Walter Cup.

For a team trying to build long-term success while staying competitive now, here are three players who stand out as likely picks.

Gwyneth Philips

Regular season: 8-5-1-0 | 2.11 GAA | .919 SV%

This is likely the easiest call for Ottawa’s front office. Philips is highly valued within the organization and has shown, even as a rookie, that she’s ready for a full-time starting role in the PWHL. She raised her game in the playoffs, posting a 3-0-1 record with a 1.14 GAA and .956 save percentage through the first round. She’s not just the goalie of the present, she’s a cornerstone for the future.

Ashton Bell

Regular season: 27 GP | 6 PTS | +1

Bell has risen to the occasion when it mattered most. She’s logged major minutes throughout the playoffs and has brought a steady presence to Ottawa’s blueline. Her ability to slow the game down, make smart decisions under pressure, and contribute to clean zone exits was a major reason Ottawa upset top-seeded Montreal. Add in her shot-blocking and timely contributions at both ends, and it’s easy to see why she should be a priority.

Gabbie Hughes

Regular season: 29 GP | 16 PTS | 50.4% FO%

Hughes is the kind of two-way centre every team wants. She can go head-to-head with top opponents, like Laura Stacey and Marie-Philip Poulin, who were held to just three combined points in the opening round, and still contribute on the scoresheet herself. She’s smart, responsible, and thrives in pressure moments. Combine that with her strength in the faceoff circle and overall versatility, and she’s an essential part of Ottawa’s core.

Ottawa’s playoff run has shown just how deep and balanced this roster really is, which only makes the protection process that much harder. With so many key contributors in the mix, narrowing it down to just three players means making tough decisions. Prioritizing one position group means leaving another exposed—and whether it’s a top-six forward, a dependable defender, or a promising rookie, someone valuable will be left on the board.