12 top talents who could boost PWHL expansion teams

Two new teams. Two new GMs. And just days to make some of the biggest decisions of their careers.

With the PWHL's expansion signing window now open and the draft looming, newly appointed general managers Meghan Turner (Seattle) and Cara Gardner Morey (Vancouver) are building full rosters from scratch. They're tasked with signing players, evaluating protection lists, and setting the foundation of their franchises. Both were hired after a competitive process that drew more than 200 applicants per market, according to the league.

Turner, who was previously the assistant GM of the Boston Fleet, called Seattle's roster build a "puzzle."

"There are obviously different roles for different players on the team," Turner said. "As I'm building out this roster, I’m obviously looking to establish a good leadership group but then also making sure that that we're getting people and players to buy into what the organization is all about from a cultural perspective."

Vancouver's Gardner Morey is looking for a high-intensity group that can open the season strong: "I envision a team that plays with speed, has a ton of skill, loves the physicality, and, again, is competing right off Day 1," she said. "I am really impressed with the way the expansion draft has been created so that we can have a competitive roster right off the bat."

Protection lists from the six inaugural franchises are now public, meaning the path to icing a team is clearer, but no less complex. Turner and Gardner Morey have a tight window to evaluate who's available and make their additions count in a league where competitive depth is already razor-thin.

From Olympic stars to under-the-radar glue players, there's no shortage of intriguing options. Here are a dozen potential targets who could help define the identities of PWHL Seattle and Vancouver.

Unprotected players

Hilary Knight, Fleet forward

Note: Knight signed with Seattle.

Scooping Knight in the expansion process would be a coup for a team with a win-now mindset. The Fleet and Team USA captain is a finalist in the league's MVP race for good reason. An offensive powerhouse, Knight was Boston's top scorer in 2024-25 and tied rookie Sarah Fillier for the league lead with 29 points. If anyone can navigate the change of being uprooted and provide veteran leadership for a new team, it's Knight.

The only drawback is that Knight's already announced the 2026 Olympics will be her last. She'll be 36 years old when the puck drops next season, and a full retirement from hockey seems close.

But for a team that's OK with a short but sweet journey with Knight, she'd make a massive impact. Considering Seattle's Turner has Boston in common with Knight after working in the Fleet's front office, it would make sense if Knight ended up in the Emerald City. - Jolene Latimer

Alex Carpenter, Sirens forward

Note: Carpenter signed with Seattle.

Carpenter's offensive prowess made her a near-lock for the Sirens' protected list. Exposing her must have been a difficult choice, but she'll be an easy yes for either Seattle or Vancouver.

The 31-year-old was a major contributor on New York's first line with Fillier and Jessie Eldridge, helping Fillier find her footing as a rookie and adding 20 points herself this season despite a jaw injury that required surgery and kept her out of the lineup for weeks.

Not only that, but her experience as a two-time Olympic silver medalist for the United States gives her deep experience to draw from in the locker room. The Boston College graduate also has many world championships under her belt and led the 2024 tournament in goals (six) and points (10). - Latimer

Sarah Nurse, Sceptres forward

Note: Nurse signed with Vancouver.

Nurse is one of the most recognizable faces in women's hockey, known for her speed, scoring touch, and game-breaking ability when at her best. A key figure in Canada's golden run at the 2022 Winter Games, she's been a leader in growing the sport's visibility - both as a cultural ambassador and on the ice.

In Toronto's second season, however, Nurse struggled to find that same impact. She was limited by injury and never quite looked herself, finishing with a modest 14 points in 21 games. She wasn't as consistent an offensive presence as fans are used to.

Still, her ceiling remains high. When healthy, the 30-year-old can shift momentum in a single rush. Even in a down year, her ability to draw defenders and create chances for others showed flashes. Though she's a Toronto native, Nurse's brand seems intricately linked to Canada. She'd be a strong fit for Vancouver if it wants star power to draw fans. - Latimer

Erin Ambrose, Victoire defender

Note: Montreal retained Ambrose with its fourth protection slot.

Ambrose is one of the PWHL's premier two-way defenders, known for her sharp hockey IQ, crisp outlet passes, and leadership on and off the ice. A consistent presence on Canada's national team, Ambrose brings poise under pressure and quarterbacking ability on the power play.

In 2024, she earned the league's award for top defender. This past season with Montreal, the 31-year-old logged heavy minutes in all situations and continued to be a steady contributor despite struggling offensively at times. Whether shutting down top lines or starting the breakout, Ambrose plays with the kind of control and confidence that make her a cornerstone for club and country. - Latimer

Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson, Frost defenders

Note: Jaques and Thompson signed with Vancouver.

Stacked teams have the most to lose in the expansion process. Minnesota accepted this reality by exposing two of the sport's best young, offensively inclined defenders.

Jaques and Thompson combined for 40 points in the regular season, flanked Toronto star Renata Fast at the top of the defender scoring leaderboard, and upped their production during the Frost's second straight championship run. Both are available because teammate Lee Stecklein, a consummate shutdown blue-liner, popped off in the playoffs with a league-high four goals and eight points.

Notably, Gardner Morey was Thompson's college coach and gave her the captaincy at Princeton. - Nick Faris

Emerance Maschmeyer, Charge goaltender

Note: Maschmeyer signed with Vancouver.

Maschmeyer is one of the league's most reliable goaltenders, anchoring Ottawa with calm, composed play. She has a career .914 save percentage and is second in games played among PWHL goalies despite being injured halfway through the 2024-25 season, moments after she received a standing ovation for making her 1,000th career save.

Once healthy, she'll be an excellent backstop for either expansion team. Given the 30-year-old's track record as a Canadian Olympian, she may be a better fit in Vancouver. - Latimer

Unrestricted free agents

Hannah Miller, Sceptres forward

Miller, a 29-year-old Vancouver native, perfectly timed her breakout year. She leveled up as an offensive threat and tied for the PWHL lead in power-play points (13) while often centering Toronto's top line.

Miller's local roots and ability to shoulder a scoring load make her a logical foundational signing for Gardner Morey. A quirk of her globetrotting professional journey - Miller was a naturalized Olympian for China and played there until 2023 - stopped her from representing Canada at this year's world championships, but she's eligible for the next Olympic roster. - Faris

Michela Cava, Frost forward

Wherever Cava goes, winning follows. The two-time Walter Cup champion previously celebrated league titles in the defunct Premier Hockey Federation in 2023, in the Russian league in 2022, and in Sweden in 2021. Her pro career is dynastic.

The feisty 31-year-old from Ontario is an efficient shooter and a great complementary talent.

Cava's the leading goal-scorer in PWHL playoff history. She's bagged the most goals in the regular season among players with no international experience. Headlining an expansion lineup would test her unbroken championship streak, but she's earned the opportunity. - Faris

Maddie Rooney, Frost goaltender

Rooney is the most accomplished goalie available. Part of a championship tandem in Minnesota, she made more starts than Nicole Hensley over the past two seasons and was the closest thing to unbeatable in the 2025 Walter Cup triumph.

Rock solid in Games 2-4 of the final, Rooney stoned 105 of Ottawa's 108 shots (.972 save percentage) and won three overtime decisions to narrowly outduel Charge rookie Gwyneth Philips, the postseason MVP.

On the world stage, Rooney's 11 career starts for the U.S. produced four shutouts and a thrilling Olympic gold-medal victory in 2018. She's squarely in her prime at 27 and dazzles when the lights brighten. - Faris

Tereza Vanisova, Charge forward

Vanisova is an irksome, effective pest and clinical finisher whose 15 goals for the Charge in 2024-25 tied for second in the league.

She leads all skaters in career penalty minutes, dropped the gloves in the first PWHL fight, has been fined twice for boarding, and took a costly tripping minor that changed the momentum of the Walter Cup final. She also forced overtime in the series finale by tiptoeing to the slot for a one-timer that busted Rooney's shutout.

The 29-year-old Czech winger's offensive attributes counterbalance her bouts of recklessness. - Faris

Kati Tabin, Victoire defender

Tabin's a 28-year-old, physical shot-blocker who can score from the point and elevate a second pair. Exactly a year apart, on May 11, 2024 and 2025, she skated for well over 50 minutes in the PWHL's longest playoff games. Only Ambrose logged more ice time for Montreal in each marathon.

Because of the signing window's unique calculus, adding a veteran of Tabin's caliber would benefit her new and former teams. If Tabin and a Montreal teammate sign out west, the Victoire could then use a fourth protection slot to prevent Ambrose or fellow top defender Cayla Barnes from being drafted. - Faris

Nick Faris and Jolene Latimer cover the PWHL for theScore.