Gina Kingsbury, the general manager of the Toronto Sceptres, has described the past few weeks as among the most difficult of her tenure as the franchise navigates the pressures of expansion.
The Weight of Expansion
The Sceptres recently completed the 2026 PWHL Draft, welcoming six new athletes to the roster, among them Wisconsin standout Kirsten Simms, a player Kingsbury believes can instantly alter the team’s offensive dynamics.
Simms, celebrated for her natural offensive talent and relentless work ethic, brings a blend of skill and passion that the organization hopes will offset the loss of several key contributors who departed during the expansion period.
Departures and Retention Efforts
Kingsbury acknowledged that the exits of veterans such as Daryl Watts, Maggie Connors and Jesse Compher were felt deeply, especially after prolonged attempts to keep the core group intact.
Forward Emma Maltais is expected to sign with Montreal, a move that further reshapes the Sceptres’ lineup as they rebuild around younger talent.
Building Around New Faces
Beyond Simms, the front office has highlighted the steady presence of Jamie Nelson, the leadership of Brooke Disher, and the offensive upside of Jane Kuehl and Emerson O’Leary, all seen as pillars for the next chapter.
While excitement surrounds the fresh additions, Kingsbury cautioned that replacing the caliber of offense lost through expansion cannot be achieved overnight and will require patience and development.
The broader context of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, its growth trajectory, and the league’s relationship with teams in Detroit, Princeton and other markets also inform the Sceptres’ strategic outlook.