PWHL Announces Expansion Draft for Seattle, Vancouver Teams

NEW YORK AND TORONTO (May 19, 2025) — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has unveiled the rules and procedures for the expansion draft as it prepares for the debut of the Seattle and Vancouver teams in the 2025-26 season.

This process includes critical dates and guidelines aimed at ensuring competitive balance among the teams. Each of the six existing teams will lose four players from their current rosters, allowing the new teams to build strong foundations.

On June 3 at Noon ET, teams must submit their player protection lists. Each team can initially protect three players, and after losing two, they may protect an additional player, bringing their total to four. Players eligible for protection are those under contract for next season or those whose rights are retained.

The Exclusive Signing Window opens on June 4 at 9 a.m. ET and closes on June 8 at 5 p.m. ET. During this five-day period, Seattle and Vancouver can sign up to five players who are either unprotected or on expiring contracts.

The 2025 Expansion Draft, set for June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET, will allow Seattle and Vancouver to select a minimum of seven players each, aiming for a total of 12 on their rosters. The order of selection will be announced later.

Following the Expansion Draft, the PWHL Draft is scheduled for June 24 at 7 p.m. ET. This event, consisting of six rounds, will include all eight teams drafting from a pool of eligible players, including recent college graduates.

The PWHL is seeing positive growth, with higher ticket sales and attendance reported this season. League officials express optimism about the expansion, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining a competitive league.

“We’re excited about this expansion, as it reflects the interest and growth of women’s hockey,” said PWHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford. “Every team will be growing under the same salary cap, promoting balance and excitement for fans.”