The upcoming PWHL off-season is anticipated to be the most active yet, with the league set to introduce four new teams for the upcoming season.
Starting next week, the current eight teams will have the opportunity to engage in player negotiations. With a considerable number of players having contracts expiring, fans can expect significant changes to their favorite team’s roster.
Notable players on the verge of free agency include Taylor Heise (Minnesota Frost), Sarah Nurse (Vancouver Goldeneyes), Kendall Coyne Schofield (Minnesota Frost), Renata Fast (Toronto Sceptres), Daryl Watts (Toronto Sceptres), Brianne Jenner (Ottawa Charge), Hilary Knight (Seattle Torrent), Lee Stecklein (Minnesota Frost), and Kelly Pannek (Minnesota Frost).
The league unveiled a detailed six-phase process on Wednesday, following extensive discussions with the PWHL Players Association, to manage the roster distribution for the expansion teams.
Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations, expressed satisfaction with the process, emphasizing the importance of player involvement and competitive balance. The addition of Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose is viewed as a significant step forward for the league.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Phase 1:
Each existing team can protect three players and submit a list of 10 free agents they wish to sign. Contracts can be signed starting June 2, with a limit of one free agent per existing team in this phase.
Phase 2:
Expansion teams will target 20 players and offer one player a binding contract worth at least $100,000 per year for up to four years. Additionally, non-binding contracts will be offered for a minimum of two years. Each expansion team can sign up to five players, with existing teams limited to losing three players each.
Phases 3 and Beyond:
Phase three, beginning on June 10, allows all unsigned players to negotiate with all 12 teams. Expansion teams can add three more players, while existing teams can protect an additional three players. Subsequent phases will provide further opportunities for player signings and team re-signings, leading up to the entry draft on June 17.
With a pool of 236 draft-eligible players, Hefford expressed confidence in maintaining the league’s competitiveness while accommodating the expansion. The off-season presents challenges and opportunities for both players and general managers, with teams adapting to the evolving landscape of the league.