The $100 million gamble

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is set to expand from six to ten teams, with franchises in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose joining the league. The expansion process has reachd Phase 2, where teams have submitted their protected lists, leaving a pool of over 100 players available for the new franchises to court.

By June 8, the four expansion teams must submit 20-player negotiating lists and can sign players to contracts. while Phase 2 does not allow direct selection of unprotected players, it gives the new clubs a chance to pitch and negotiate.

Abby Roque: The top target for Detroit?

Abby Roque, a center from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was instrumental in the Montreal Victoire's Walter Cup victory, often considered the playoff MVP if not for Marie-Philip Poulin. Many believe she will join the Detroit franchise, which would bring immediate legitimacy to Hockeytown.

However, her success with Poulin and Laura Stacey may be hard to replicate. Roque's future is uncertain, and her potential landing spot will be a major factor in the expansion teams' negotiations.

Daryl Watts: A hot commodity in the expansion draft

Daryl Watts, a Patty Kazmaier winner , is a hot commodity after a strong season on a struggling Toronto Sceptres team. Rumors suggest she may follow former Toronto coach Troy Ryan to San Jose, with Las Vegas also in the mix.

Watts' time in Toronto appears over, and her offensive prowess will be a major asset for any expansion team. Her potential landing spot will be a major factor in the expansion teams' negotiations.

The top 11 unprotected players

Here are the top 11 players, in no particular order, who were left unprotected and are poised to beome key targets for the incoming teams:

  • Abby Roque
  • Daryl Watts
  • Kendall Coyne Schofield
  • Alina Muller
  • Grace Curl-Salemme
  • Brianne Jenner
  • Ella Gosling
  • Other notable players include:
    • Emily Power
    • Emma Greco
    • Julia Gosling
    • Lauren Kelly

Who will be the first to sign?

The expansion teams have until June 8 to submit their 20-player negotiating lists and can sign players to contracts. The first team to sign a top unprotected player will set the tone for the rest of the negotiations.

The stakes are high, with the expansion teams risking millions of dollars in the hopes of building a competitive roster. The outcome of the negotiations will have a significant impact on the future of the PWHL and the careers of the top unprotected players.