The PWHL has completed the third phase of its 2026 Expansion Player Distribution Process, allowing eight established franchises to protect additional players. Each team secured three more players, focusing on retaining key talent through re-signings or existing contracts. Notable re-signings include Boston's Susanna Tapani and Minnesota's Grace Zuminkle, both essential to their teams' success. Teams like Montreal and New York kept their core players intact while evaluating their rosters for future strategies. The upcoming Phase 4 will give four new expansion teams the chance to build their squads before the PWHL Draft.

By the Numbers
  • Eight teams protected three players each during the third expansion phase.
  • Boston re-signed Susanna Tapani for two years, keeping her through 2027-28.
  • Toronto protected both Emma Gentry and Natalie Spooner, the league's first MVP.
State of Play
  • Four expansion teams will enter Phase 4 to finalize their rosters to ten players.
  • Established teams are focusing on reinforcing their lineups with key player protection and re-signings.
  • Next phase begins on Monday, leading into the PWHL Draft.
What's Next

As expansion teams scramble to reach the minimum roster size, expect strategic signings and trades. They need to finalize competitive lineups ahead of the draft, which poses potential talent redistribution across franchises.

Bottom Line

The ongoing expansion process shapes the PWHL's competitive landscape, with teams focusing on protecting their star players. Future drafts and expansions will further impact player dynamics, emphasizing the importance of strategic management in this evolving league.