The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Tuesday that Hilary Knight, a five‑time Olympian and one of the most decorated players in women’s hockey, has been dealt to PWHL Detroit in exchange for the franchise’s first‑round selection in the 2026 draft.
Knight’s résumé reads like a Hall of Fame biography: Olympic gold medals, multiple world championships, a record‑setting career at the University of Wisconsin, and a reputation as a natural leader who elevates every teammate she joins.
Having served as the inaugural captain of the Seattle Torrent during the 2025‑26 season, Knight logged 14 points in 22 games after recovering from a lower‑body injury sustained at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, showcasing both resilience and playmaking ability.
Her statistical footprint is equally impressive: she tops the all‑time U.S. Olympic scoring list with 15 goals and 33 points, holds the NCAA career goals record, and was named a First Team All‑Star after leading the league in points during the 2024‑25 campaign.
Draft Details
The 2026 PWHL Draft will unfold Wednesday evening at the historic Fox Theatre, kicking off at 5 p.m. Eastern, where teams will finalize rosters for the league’s maiden season.
Adding to the story’s narrative, brothers J.T. Compher and Jesse Compher become the first siblings to compete in the same PWHL city, underscoring the league’s growing family ties across North America.