Seattle Torrent Locks Down Core Players Ahead of PWHL Expansion
The Seattle Torrent has emerged as a focal point of the Premier Women’s Hockey League’s offseason maneuvering, having secured the contracts of three of its most pivotal athletes.
Alex Carpenter, Anna Wilgren and Hannah Murphy were each listed among the protected players in Phase One, a move that underscores the franchise’s intent to retain its foundational talent as the league prepares for its next expansion cycle.
With Phase Two slated to commence on June 5, the landscape shifts dramatically; expansion franchises will be empowered to extend tender offers to any unprotected athlete, a mechanism that could usher in a wave of departures from the Torrent roster.
What’s at Stake in Phase Two
While the team currently holds contracts for a handful of signed skaters, the looming eligibility of free agents means the club could see as many as three established players exit, and potentially an unrestricted number of role players follow suit.
Analysts have begun to map out likely scenarios, pointing to forwards such as Hannah Bilka, defenders like Cayla Barnes and goaltender Julia Gosling as candidates who might sign elsewhere when the expansion window opens.
Corrine Schroeder, another forward on the roster, is projected to be selected during the Foundational Roster Completion draft, a stage that functions as a quasi‑draft for players slated to join the upcoming 2026‑27 season.
Veteran forward Hilary Knight, despite her stature in the sport, is not expected to receive an Expansion Foundational Offer, leaving her future with the Torrent uncertain pending the outcomes of the upcoming negotiations.
The broader implications extend beyond Seattle, as the moves reflect the PWHL’s strategy to balance competitive parity with the preservation of marquee talent, a dynamic that will shape the league’s narrative heading into its second season.