Four players to watch for a 2026 PWHL training camp invite

Happy Hockey Friday, everybody! Dylan Nazareth here from The Ice Garden with the latest on a busy offseason in the PWHL.

We are now officially three weeks into the PWHL’s opening signing period, with the league’s 12 teams officially coming together. Teams are allowed to sign up to 19 players entering training camp, and are then allowed to sign their full 23-player roster plus reserves once camp is done. As teams near their 19-player threshold, the free agent market will start to quiet down through the summer, but remaining players can still receive camp invites for a chance at a contract for the upcoming season.

PWHL training camp is expected to get underway in late November this year after the Women’s World Championship wraps up (the tournament runs from November 6-16). While that’s still a ways away, here’s a look at four players to keep an eye on as possible camp invitees.

Sandra Abstreiter

Sandra Abstreiter may be one of the most notable names left on the goaltender market. Abstreiter finally earned a backup spot with the Victoire this season, and earned a .905 SV%, with a 3-2-0 record and one shutout in five appearances. This year, the Victoire signed Megan Warrener and drafted Hailey MacLeod, signalling Abstreiter’s time in Montréal is up. It is rumored that she has already been offered a spot at camp with another team, but nothing has been confirmed.

Meghan Agosta

39-year-old Meghan Agosta surprised everyone when she declared for this year’s PWHL Draft. The three-time Olympic gold medalist last appeared at the 2018 Olympic Games, and last played pro in the 2012-13 season with the Montréal Stars in the CWHL. Agosta wasn’t selected in the draft, but her veteran experience and accomplished resume makes her a worthy candidate for a slot at camp. Keep an eye on the Vancouver Goldeneyes, as Agosta has spent the better part of the last decade working as a police officer in the city.

Anna Shokhina

Anna Shokhina became the first ever Russian player drafted in the PWHL last summer when she was selected in the second round by the Ottawa Charge. However, her first year in the league did not go according to plan. Despite being a prolific goalscorer in her home country, she managed just two goals in her rookie year, which was split between the Charge and the Goldeneyes after she was dealt to Vancouver. Shokhina is currently an unrestricted free agent, will any team take a chance on her as a reclamation project this year?

Méghane Duchesne-Chalifoux

23-year-old Méghane Duchesne went undrafted in the 2026 PWHL Draft, but is one of the top defenders still available on the market. The Montréal, Quebec native spent four seasons with the University of Connecticut, where she became known for her defensive responsibility and versatility. She could be a strong reserve option for teams this year, making her a smart camp invite.

More from the women’s hockey world

Women’s hockey players take part in NHL development camp as coaches and players by Giselle Velazquez

Boston Fleet to call Agganis Arena home next season by Lydia Murray

Hayley Scamurra looks ahead to Las Vegas by Melissa Burgess

Where the Vancouver Goldeneyes stand heading into the off-season by Maya Smith

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