A strategic reshuffle ahead of the draft
The Boston Fleet announced a trade that swaps forward Ella Huber for a trio of draft assets, marking a decisive move as the Professional Women's Hockey League prepares for its 2026 draft in Detroit.
Under the terms of the deal, Detroit receives Boston’s second‑round selection (22nd overall) and third‑round pick (34th overall), while the Fleet bring in Huber and Detroit’s own third‑round choice (27th overall).
The agreement comes just days after the league’s roster‑freeze lifted on June 16, allowing teams to finalize Phase 4 contracts. Huber signed a one‑year standard player agreement with Detroit, cementing her place in the upcoming season.
Huber, a 24‑year‑old native of Northfield, Illinois, spent the 2025‑26 campaign with Boston, appearing in all 30 regular‑season games and four playoff contests. Her collegiate career at the University of Minnesota added a foundation of experience that the Fleet hope to translate into immediate impact.
The 2026 draft will unfold at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The first two rounds will be streamed on Scripps Sports platforms in the United States and on TSN2 in Canada, with full coverage available on TSN+ and the PWHL YouTube Channel worldwide.
Analysts view the trade as a strategic maneuver that could reshape the competitive balance ahead of the draft, especially as teams lock in key prospects. With the draft spotlight turning toward Detroit, the move underscores the growing visibility of women’s professional hockey.