Hilary Knight arrived at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday as the face of PWHL Detroit. The five-time Olympic medalist was formally introduced after a June trade that cost the PWHL expansion franchise a first-round draft pick to pry her from Las Vegas.
Hilary Knight Arrives at PWHL Detroit with Olympic Star Power
That price reflects what Knight brings. She captained Team USA to gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan just months ago, and across 76 career PWHL games, she tallied 54 points spanning stints with Boston and Seattle.
"I just can't wait to get started," Knight said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."
Meanwhile, general manager Manon Rhéaume is assembling the rest of the roster. Rhéaume made history as the first woman to play in an NHL preseason game, and Knight sees a direct line between that moment and her own career.
"I wouldn't be here unless Manon had her vision," Knight said.
PWHL Expansion Side Eyes Walter Cup Chase
Yet one prize has eluded Knight through three PWHL franchises: the Walter Cup. As PWHL Detroit prepares for its inaugural season this fall, that chase is what drives her most.
"I would love to win one of those," Knight shared of her season hopes. "I want to establish a successful foundation that is going to be pay dividends, hopefully right off the bat."
