The PWHL designed a unique and highly controversial expansion process allowing teams to only protect three players initially, and a fourth after they've relinquished two of the four players they'll lose.
On the opening day of the PWHL expansion exclusive signing window, it resulted in Hilary Knight, Sarah Nurse, Claire Thompson, Sophie Jaques, and Danielle Serdachny all joining Seattle and Vancouver, with more to come on day two.
The other signing of the day was Ottawa Charge netminder Emerance Maschmeyer. As significant as the signing was for Vancouver to bring in a bonafide starting netminder with World Championship and Olympic experience, it was also a significant signing for PWHL Seattle.
Knowing Vancouver has their goalie gives Seattle an unexpected gift.
How does Maschmeyer's signing impact Seattle?
Entering the PWHL expansion process, both Meghan Turner in Seattle and Cara Gardner Morey in Vancouver were certainly watching each move the other made intently. Every signing impacted the next step like a chess match. When Vancouver inked Thompson and Jaques, it triggered another protection for Minnesota. When combined they signed Serdachny and Maschmeyer, it opened the fourth protection for Ottawa.
Maschmeyer however, held specific meaning for Seattle. Seattle originally may have had plans to target a goaltender like Corinne Schoeder or Nicole Hensley in the exclusive signing window, or early in the PWHL expansion draft. Now however, they'll have the luxury to wait want watch.
It's a significant benefit for Seattle who can turn their attention to targeting players at other positions not only during free agency, but throughout the draft until for example, only one pick remains available from New York.
Given how the mock drafts of many pundits played out, New York is likely to be one of the final teams with players available alongside Boston. It means that if Seattle intends to select Corinne Schroeder, they can now do so through the draft, utilizing a late selection, while stocking up on forwards and defenders in their early picks.
Only if Vancouver picks New York's third player will Seattle be forced to pick Schroeder, unless New York protects Schroeder fourth.
Who are the best remaining goaltenders for Seattle?
Corinne Schroeder feels like the obvious pick. She's the best goaltender in the pool, who has shown consistent excellence behind a bad team the first two seasons after a standout rookie PHF season and a stellar NCAA career. She's also a Quinnipiac grad drawing tight ties to Quinnipiac alumni and Seattle GM Meghan Turner.
If not Schroeder, Nicole Hensley and Kristen Campbell are the only other goaltenders with a starting resume, but they both struggled this season and come with a high price tag to boot. If Seattle wants to bring in more cost effective option, Raygan Kirk from Toronto and Kayle Osborne from New York both showed promise this season.
Similarly, they could have a long discussion with Maddie Rooney during this exclusive window, lay the groundwork for a contract, and sign her during free agency.
With no other competition on the market for a starting goalie from any of the PWHL's six teams, Seattle is in a luxury position to fill the role.