Strategic Moves in the Expansion Phase
The Toronto Sceptres have entered the second phase of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s expansion draft, a milestone that brings both opportunity and challenge. After a strong inaugural season, the franchise must decide which talent to safeguard as the league prepares for its next growth wave.
Two of last season’s standouts, Jesse Compher and Daryl Watts, will not return to Toronto. Compher has signed a three‑year contract with the newly formed PWHL Detroit, while Watts became the first player to join that club, marking a significant shift in the Sceptres’ roster.
To protect their core, the Sceptres have already locked in Renata Fast, Ella Shelton and Raygan Kirk among their initial protection slots. These moves reflect a focus on retaining defensive stability while they evaluate which offensive weapons to keep.
Among the players still on the table are Blayre Turnbull, Emma Maltais and Kali Flanagan, each of whom contributed heavily in the regular season. Turnbull, an original Sceptre, recorded 37 points in 84 games, while Maltais, also an original, added 38 points. Defender Kali Flanagan contributed 20 points over the same span.
Veteran forward Natalie Spooner is currently nursing an injury but remains a key offensive threat, having posted 40 points in 68 games before the setback. Her eventual return could influence the final protection decisions.
With only three additional protection spots available, the front office faces a delicate balancing act. Selecting the right combination will determine the depth and versatility of the offense heading into the next season.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only shape the Sceptres’ on‑ice performance but also signal the team’s long‑term strategy within the PWHL ecosystem, a league backed by partners such as PWHL Detroit, accessible via pwhldetroit.gg.