Off‑season shuffles highlight shifting power dynamics
Meghan Duggan, a two‑time Olympic gold‑medalist and former captain of the U.S. women’s national team, has taken on a new front‑office role as general manager of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Hamilton franchise. Her appointment follows a stint as director of player development with the New Jersey Devils, where she helped shape the organization’s pipeline programs.
Duggan’s move signals the league’s intent to blend on‑ice credibility with executive acumen, a combination that could accelerate the PWHL’s growth in markets such as New Jersey and beyond. Her leadership style, honed during years of captaincy and international competition, is expected to bring a player‑first perspective to roster construction.
Reilly Walsh, a defenseman drafted in the third round by the Devils in 2017, has secured a one‑year extension with KHL club Barys Astana. Walsh posted 16 goals and 46 points during the 2025‑26 season, underscoring his offensive contributions from the blue line.
The Kazakh capital’s hockey scene will benefit from Walsh’s experience, which includes stints in the Swiss National League and a reputation for steady defensive play. His contract talks reflect a broader trend of North American talent seeking competitive contracts abroad.
On the forward front, Chris DiDomenico, who spent eight seasons as a star in the Swiss National League, has signed with Sweden’s SHL club IF Björklöven. The move marks a return to the SHL for the Ottawa Senators alumnus, who previously wore the Senators’ sweater in the 2017‑18 campaign.