The PWHL is making plans, detailing its new roster-building process as Detroit, Hamilton, San Jose, and Las Vegas prepare to join the league next season.
Moving away from prior expansion drafts, the process now spans six transaction phases instead of solely relying on strict signing periods or the June 17th college draft to distribute talent.
“Our priorities were clear: to give players a meaningful voice throughout the process while maintaining competitive balance across the league for all 12 teams,” EVP of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford said in a league statement.
“Expansion is a major milestone for our league, our players, and our fans.”
The expansion period officially opens June 1st. Existing teams able to protect three players via Phase 1’s two-day negotiation window. However, PWHL expansion teams in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose are allowed to sign unprotected players under contract.
If any incoming team can’t complete its roster through the exclusive signing windows, a draft process could be introduced down the line.
PWHL Expansion Process: Key Dates for all Teams
- May 28: Phase 1 negotiation list submission deadline (3 PM ET)
- June 1: Preliminary player negotiation period opens (12 PM ET)
- June 2-3: Phase 1 — Existing team signings and protections
- June 5-8: Phase 2 — Expansion team foundational signing period
- June 10-12: Phase 3 — Preliminary open signing period for all teams
- June 14-15: Phase 4 — Expansion signing period
- June 16-18: Phase 5 — Existing team exclusive re-signing period
- June 19: Phase 6 — Open signing period begins for all teams (12 PM ET)
