The Professional Women's Hockey League announced the start of Phase 3 of its expansion process, ushering in a flurry of activity as four new franchises prepare to add talent ahead of the upcoming season.
Expansion Mechanics
Under the new framework, each expansion club will be allowed to ink three additional contracts over a three‑day window, while existing teams may safeguard three extra roster spots, shaping the competitive balance heading into the next campaign.
Players who turned down foundational offers in the previous phase are now compelled to commit during this window, a rule that has already steered several high‑profile athletes toward new destinations.
Star Moves
Among the headline signings, Megan Carter has agreed to a two‑year deal with the freshly minted Las Vegas franchise, bringing a reputation for shutdown defense and a proven track record from her stint with the Seattle Torrent.
Meanwhile, Julia Gosling, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Seattle Torrent, has also signed a two‑year contract with the same club, having rejected a foundational player offer in the prior round and helped the Torrent capture a league‑leading point total.
Gosling’s emergence was highlighted by a career‑high six goals and 20 points, a performance that saw her share the team lead in scoring and rack up a team‑high 14 assists.
Roster Protections
The Torrent’s protection list also includes defender Anna Wilgren and goaltender Hannah Murphy, signaling the club’s intent to retain core pieces as the league reshapes its rosters.
Across the map, the expansion clubs are anchored in cities ranging from Detroit and Minneapolis in the United States to Hamilton and Toronto in Canada, with the league’s headquarters spanning multiple time zones.
As the signing period draws to a close on Friday, attention will turn to the final protection lists that will determine which veterans remain shielded from the expansion draft, setting the stage for the next chapter of the PWHL.