PWHL stars are on the move, as the league’s four-team expansion process continues to reshape the pro women’s hockey landscape.
Expansion sides Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose each landed five foundational signings. The teams completed Phase 2 ahead of today’s preliminary open signing period.
Noteworthy additions include 2026 Olympic gold medalists Hayley Scamurra (Las Vegas) and Cayla Barnes (Detroit), alongside Canadian silver medalists Emily Clark (Hamilton) and Kristin O’Neill (San Jose).
In a dramatic twist, USA Hockey captain Hilary Knight is departing Seattle. She is reportedly set to join Detroit by way of a Las Vegas sign-and-trade deal.
After the Torrent opted not to protect her, Knight agreed to a foundational contract with Las Vegas. She’s subsequently expected to be traded to Detroit in exchange for a first-round draft pick.
All 12 teams can start negotiating with players on expiring contracts at 12 PM ET today, as each looks to fill three additional roster slots before Friday’s Phase 3 deadline.
