Marie‑Philip Poulin,captain of the Montreal Victoire, lifted the Walter Cup on May 20 but left the Verdun Auditorium unsure when—or if—she will return to the Professional Women’s Hockey League.. A lingering knee injury that required a brace throughout the playoffs has left her weighing rehabilitation options and personal plans.

Poulin’s knee brace through nine playoff games

According to the team’s end‑of‑season media availability , Poulin played every one of the Victoire’s nine playoff matches while wearing a heavy knee brace that she described as “feeling like a piano on my back.” The brace limited her mobility,especially in the semifinal series against the Minnesota Frost, but she persisted to help the team reach the final.

She first injured her right knee at the Milan‑Cortina Olympics in February, aggravated it on March 15 against the Boston Fleet, missed ten regular‑season games, and only returned for the April 25 showdown in Seattle before the postseason began.

Playoff MVP honors despite eight points in nine games

The report says Poulin’s determination earned her the playoff MVP award after she tallied eight points across nine games, a remarkable output given her limited movement. In the championship game against the Ottawa Charge, she felt “a bit more comfortable,” yet still relied on the brace for every shift.

She told reporters, “I skate with my heart, with my head, and everything will be fine,” underscoring the mental toughness that defined her performance.

Stacey’s injury and overtime heroics in the Walter Cup final

Victoire teammate and wife Laura Stacey also battled a painful left‑knee injury in the final. In Game 1, she clutched her knee after a hard hit, prompting Poulin to suggest calling an ambulance—a request that was denied. Despite the pain, Stacey returned for overtime, assisted on Abby Roque’s winning goal, and credited the team’s medical staff for her rapid recovery.

Stacey told reporters, “The medical staff is second to none; I wouldn’t be out there without them,” highlighting the often‑overlooked support network behind the championship run.

Unclear timeline for Poulin’s return and family plans

When asked about her future, Poulin said she will receive full medical results “in the coming weeks” and will “take it one day at a time.” She emphasized that at 35 she has “fewer years left in hockey” and that decisions will involve both her career and her desire to start a family with Stacey.

Stacey echoed the uncertainty, noting that the couple has not yet had a “serious conversation” about family planning, and both are focusing on recovery before mapping out next steps.

What remains unknown about Poulin’s next season

The specific medical prognosis for Poulin’s knee, the exact timing of any potential return, and whether she will re‑sign with the Victoire are still pending. additionally, the couple’s timeline for starting a family remains private, leaving fans to await further updates.