PWHL expansion teams add depth in Phase 3 signings
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Grading each PWHL expansion team’s Phase 3 signings - Daily Faceoff
The PWHL Expansion Player Distribution Process continues as the league’s four new franchises work to build their inaugural rosters. Following the initial foundational signings, the teams have moved through Phase 3 of the six-phase process, focusing on adding depth. The four expansion teams—Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose—were each permitted to sign up to three additional players during a three-day window.
Existing teams were also active in Phase 3, protecting three more players to bring their total protected list to six. Any free agents needed to be signed to be protected during this period. Phase 4 is set to begin, where expansion teams will aim to fill out their rosters to a total of 10 players.
Detroit and Hamilton bolster rosters
Detroit made two signings in Phase 3, with general manager Manon Rheaume addressing specific needs. Sydney Bard, a defender, signed a two-year contract, joining Cayla Barnes on the blue line. While not primarily an offensive threat, Bard is expected to be a solid asset for coach Josh Sciba‘s team.
The team also signed Taylor Girard, a native Michigander, to a two-year deal. Girard, a professional veteran, is the first player from Michigan to sign with the new organization. She is anticipated to provide depth scoring, though her health status is a concern following a knee injury that affected her during the 2024 Walter Cup Playoffs.
Hamilton, after an active start to the expansion process, was quieter in Phase 3. General manager Meghan Duggan signed former Boston Fleet defender Zoe Boyd to a two-year contract. Boyd is noted for her awareness and puck-moving ability, and if she remains healthy, she could strengthen a defensive corps that includes Nicole Gosling. An injury sustained during the Olympic break impacted her previous season. Hamilton has the most slots to fill, with four spots remaining to reach the 10-player roster target.
Las Vegas and San Jose make additions
Las Vegas general manager Dominique DiDia made strategic moves in Phase 3. The team signed former Montreal Victoire forward Maureen Murphy to a one-year deal. While Murphy‘s production was affected by injuries in the 2024-25 season, her potential is recognized.
A significant signing for Las Vegas was goaltender Nicole Hensley, who joined on a two-year contract. Hensley, a two-time Walter Cup champion, brings experience to the expansion squad. DiDia also continued to build the blue line, adding former Toronto Sceptres rearguard Megan Carter after previously signing Erin Ambrose, Mae Batherson, and Kendall Cooper in Phase 2. Las Vegas needs three more players, likely focusing on forwards, as they have four defenders and a starting goaltender.
San Jose signed the maximum of three players during Phase 3. General manager and head coach Troy Ryan added defenders Hadley Hartmetz and Mariah Keopple, both on two-year deals. While considered solid defenders, they are not primarily offensive players, an area where the team is reportedly still seeking improvement. They are expected to receive significant playing time in the top four defensive pairings.
Ryan also signed former Toronto Sceptres player Maggie Connors to a two-year contract. Connors is described as a solid two-way player. San Jose has two remaining roster spots to fill to reach the 10-player mark, and scoring is noted as a concern for the team.
Looking ahead to Phase 4
As Phase 4 approaches, the expansion teams will continue to build their rosters. Detroit needs to add one more player, while Hamilton needs to acquire two to reach the 10-player quota. If teams do not reach this number, a selection process will be initiated to complete their rosters.
Several notable players remain available for signing or selection. Among the top available defenders are Claire Thompson and Ashton Bell. Goaltenders like Kristen Campbell are also still on the market. Forwards such as Kendall Coyne Schofield, Jessie Eldridge, and Abby Roque are among those available as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. Phase 4 is scheduled to open at 12pm EST on June 14.
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Source: dailyfaceoff.com
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