Grading each PWHL expansion team’s Phase 2 signings
The first notable time period of this year’s PWHL expansion process has passed. The league’s four newest teams have each added five players to their inaugural rosters, with some notable names changing addresses.
There’s no question that each general manager’s decision-making has drawn debate, especially for those players who have received Expansion Foundational Offers. Yet, I’m sure each team believes they have made the right decision in who they want as part of their core for the near future.
Today, we grade how Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose all did in Phase 2 of the Expansion Player Distribution Process, and how they’re looking heading into the rest of the offseason.
Detroit (A)
GM Manon Rheaume came out swinging on the first day of the signing period. First, they get their EFO out of the way by inking arguably the biggest free agent in Daryl Watts to a four-year contract, the longest in league history. That brought immediate legitimacy to the new team. Detroit didn’t stop there, signing former Seattle Torrent teammates Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes to multi-year deals. While Barnes had a bit of a sophomore slump with the former expansion team, she might find a better fit in Motor City, whereas Bilka has been a dynamite player since entering the league a couple of years ago. Detroit ensured some depth by signing Jesse Compher to a three-year contract right before Monday’s deadline.
The only thing that kept me from labeling this team’s work as an A+ was the signing of Britta Curl-Salemme. On the ice, it’s a huge get for the team. The former Wisconsin Badger is undoubtedly one of the premier offensive and physical forces in the game. However, the PR nightmare that she is has immediately created angst among the fanbase. She’ll contribute, no doubt, but it certainly brought the mood down in Motown.
Hamilton (A-)
Overall, I like what Hamilton did over the weekend. I know Brianne Jenner is disappointed to be leaving the Ottawa Charge, but her move to Hamilton will keep her in the leadership role she’s accustomed to, and she’ll have some familiarity with Emily Clark, who also signed a two-year deal in Steeltown. I know I was pretty critical of Clark’s play this past season, especially since she was the highest-paid player in the PWHL, but we know what she’s capable of, and playing in front of a new, yet spirited market might help her get back on her feet.
Like Jenner, Alina Muller didn’t want to leave her home, but the former Boston Fleet star signed a three-year deal. She was on a team that became synonymous with struggling to score, but still managed to be one of the team’s better offensive weapons. With (potentially) more skill around her, Muller can shine in Hamilton. Rounding out the five signings are goaltender Kayle Osborne and defender Nicole Gosling, two of the game’s young stars and certified future regulars on the Canadian National Team.
Las Vegas (B-)
Outside of one major miscue, Las Vegas was solid in the team’s first signing phase, but not great. Kendall Cooper is going to be an outstanding defender for years to come, and her old Minnesota Frost teammate, Mae Batherson, is someone who can play in a variety of roles. GM Dominique DiDia continued to bolster the blue line by signing former Montreal Victoire defender Erin Ambrose, giving a mix of youth and experience on the back end. In a league where defense is key to success, Las Vegas has a solid core. They added a mix of grit and glamor with Ambrose’s Victoire teammate Hayley Scamurra, who has a winning pedigree both domestically and abroad.
The one thing that set Vegas’ rating back has been the one-year deal with Hilary Knight. John Wawrow of the Associated Press reported on Monday that Las Vegas is going to sign-and-trade the former Seattle Torrent captain to Detroit. While Las Vegas might’ve quickly realized that Knight didn’t want to play for them, but instead of forcing her to stay and figure it out, DiDia is clearly bending to her wishes to send her where she wants to go…not a good way to conduct business.
San Jose (C)
Like the Seattle Torrent last year, San Jose felt like it missed the mark with its first wave of signings. While the underlying numbers of Corinne Schroeder might be positive on some fronts, what she has shown in her first three years in the league is that, when things get tough, she struggles. It’s why the Torrent elected to protect Hannah Murphy. Adding Anne Cherkowski this early in the expansion process seemed a little overzealous to me, as it seemed like her name was going to be available for some time. I actually do like the signing of Rory Guilday. She made some significant strides in her rookie season with the Ottawa Charge and seems ready to take on top-pair minutes full-time this coming year.
The big question mark, for me, is Kristin O’Neill’s contract. I’m not knocking the signing. O’Neill is one of the best two-way players in the game and will bring the necessary experience to. However, GM Troy Ryan using his EFO on her is a massive overreach. She’s going to be guaranteed at least $100,000 over the next two years, but she’s not the superstar-caliber player you give that deal to, as she has only scored 19 points over the past three seasons. The team added another former Siren, Maddi Wheeler, before Monday’s deadline, keeping up with Ryan’s MO of having solid two-way players. However, there is a definitive lack of star power, so far, in the Bay Area.
The four teams will join the eight established franchises in Phase 3 – the Preliminary Open Signing Period – where they’ll have a chance to sign three more players for the 2026-27 campaign.