A Strategic Move for the Frost
The Minnesota Frost announced today that forwards Kelly Pannek and Taylor Heise have each signed three‑year contracts that run through the 2028‑29 season, a move that cements the core of the roster as the league prepares for its next expansion cycle.
Pannek, who topped the PWHL with 33 points this past season, also captured the league’s Top Goal Scorer Award after netting 16 goals. Her consistent offensive production has made her a finalist for both the Forward of the Year and the Billie Jean King MVP Award, underscoring her status among the league’s elite.
Heise, meanwhile, posted a career‑best 30 points and was recognized as the 2024 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. She joins Pannek as a finalist for the Forward of the Year award, highlighting a season of growth for the young forward.
Roster Implications Ahead of Expansion
Both players are listed as protected athletes under the PWHL’s Expansion Roster Distribution Process, a mechanism that allows existing teams to safeguard up to three contracted players before the 2026‑27 season. This protection ensures continuity for franchises as the league expands its footprint.
The protection window required teams to finalize their lists by June 3, 2026, a deadline that has now been met by the Frost, securing their strategic assets for the future.
Beyond club commitments, Pannek’s international résumé includes three Olympic appearances and two gold medals, while Heise’s collegiate roots at the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers add a domestic dimension to the team’s brand.