Minnesota Frost Protects Britta Curl-Salemme Ahead of Expansion Draft

SAINT PAUL, MN (June 4, 2025) – The Minnesota Frost has announced the addition of forward Britta Curl-Salemme to its protected player list for the 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft. This decision arrives shortly after the Vancouver PWHL team signed defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques from the Frost.

Curl-Salemme will join forwards Kendall Coyne Schofield and Taylor Heise, as well as defender Lee Stecklein, as the four players protected from being selected in the upcoming Expansion Draft. Seattle and Vancouver are expected to acquire a total of four players each from all six inaugural teams for their rosters, set to debut in the 2025-26 season.

The 2025 PWHL Expansion Draft is scheduled to take place on June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The unique structure of this expansion draft allows the original teams to protect a limited number of players. Since Minnesota has lost Thompson and Jaques, they elevated Curl-Salemme to their protected list.

“Having to narrow down our roster was challenging, similar to picking a favorite child,” Frost General Manager said. “We recognize the strength of our players and aim to retain as much talent as possible during this transition.”

All six inaugural franchises had the opportunity to protect three players initially. After any team loses two players, they can protect an additional player, bringing the total to four.

The list of players protected by the Frost includes:

• Kendall Coyne Schofield (F)
• Taylor Heise (F)
• Lee Stecklein (D)

Vancouver’s recent signings of Thompson and Jaques mark significant acquisitions, as both defenders are recognized as finalists for the Defender of the Year Award.

“I’m thrilled to join PWHL Vancouver and be a part of this new chapter in women’s ice hockey,” Thompson stated. “Building something special here is meaningful. I can’t wait to connect with the fans.”

Other teams in the league also finalized their protected lists. While the Boston Fleet protected standout goaltender Aerin Frankel, the New York Sirens keep forward Sarah Fillier secure. Each team is preparing strategically for the draft, which could significantly shift the landscape of the league.

The next phase for the expansion teams includes a signing window from June 4 to June 8, where they can sign unprotected players or those on expiring contracts. Following this window, the Expansion Draft will proceed, allowing the new franchises an opportunity to solidify their rosters.

Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead as Seattle and Vancouver make their move in the league.