A Landmark Transfer in Women’s Hockey
Hilary Knight, a five‑time Olympian and one of the most decorated players in women’s hockey, is set to begin a new chapter in the Professional Women’s Hockey League after agreeing to a sign‑and‑trade deal that will see her join the league’s expansion franchise in Detroit.
The transaction, finalized ahead of the upcoming rookie draft on June 17, sends Detroit’s first‑round pick to Las Vegas in exchange for the veteran forward. Knight had publicly expressed a desire to remain in Seattle, but after two consecutive offseason moves she will now suit up for the capital‑city club.
Under the agreement, Knight will sign a foundational contract that guarantees her a salary of at least $100,000 per season, a milestone that reflects both her on‑ice contributions and the league’s growing financial commitments.
In Detroit she will be reunited with three of her U.S. gold‑medal teammates — Britta Curl‑Salemme, Hannah Bilka and defender Cayla Barnes — while also working under head coach Josh Sciba, an assistant on the Olympic staff who has known Knight for years.
Knight’s career statistics underscore the significance of the move: she finished the 2024 season tied for the league lead with 29 points, and over her PWHL tenure she has amassed 54 points in 76 games, ranking twelfth in league history.
Beyond the numbers, the deal signals a broader push to cement the PWHL’s credibility and to provide elite talent with contracts that match their global impact. As the league prepares for its next draft, Knight’s presence is expected to boost viewership and sponsorship interest across North America.