Happy Hockey Friday everybody! Dylan Nazareth from The Ice Garden here with the latest on the PWHL’s upcoming expansion. On Wednesday, the league officially announced the six-phase expansion process that kicks off this weekend (see the full details here).
Through the first two phases of expansion, existing teams can initially protect three players. So far, the Montréal Victoire is the only team to release their protection list, with more to come heading into next week. While speculation runs rampant about who teams will hold on to, let’s take a look at some of the top players who are expected to be left unprotected and targeted by one of the league’s four new franchises.
(For more information on player contract statuses, here’s a full look at current rosters)
Nicole Gosling (D, Montréal Victoire)
Nicole Gosling had a stellar rookie year with the Montréal Victoire. The 24-year-old finished top three in rookie scoring with three goals and 19 points. Through 30 games, she logged a team-leading 21:17 TOI/game and was named a finalist for the 2026 Rookie of the Year.
The Victoire have already confirmed they will be using their three protection slots on veterans Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Ann-Renée Desbiens. A young, hard-working defender with a promising career ahead of her, expect Gosling to be suiting up in new colours next season. Keep an eye on Hamilton as a potential location for the London, Ontario native.
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Abby Roque (F, Montréal Victoire)
Unfortunately for Montréal, they may be forced to let go of two big players. Abby Roque was acquired by the Victoire in a trade last summer and was an instant hit for the team. She regularly slotted onto the top line alongside Stacey and Poulin, and finished tied for the team-lead in points through the regular season (22) and playoffs (8). Not to mention, she scored the game-winner and added an insurance goal to clinch the Walter Cup for Montréal.
Roque has expressed some desire to remain in Montréal, but could be enticed by the opportunity to return to her native Michigan and lead PWHL Detroit in their inaugural season.
Kendall Cooper (D, Minnesota Frost)
Kendall Cooper was drafted sixth overall by the Frost last summer and quickly became a staple of the team’s blue line this season. The 24-year-old tallied two goals and 17 assists through her rookie campaign, and played the second most minutes for Minnesota with 21:29 TOI/game.
With only three slots and a wealth of talent on the two-time Cup winning Frost, it’s hard to imagine Cooper is protected. Could the 24-year-old Burlington, Ontario native be headed to Hamilton, or will another franchise bring her in as their newest blue chip blueliner?
Danielle Serdachny (F, Seattle Torrent)
Danielle Serdachny had a slow start to her season in Seattle, but finished the year strong, with eight points in her last nine games. At just 25 years old, Serdachny continues to grow in her game, but the Torrent may opt to use their protection slots elsewhere. If she’s available, it’s not hard to imagine she’ll be scooped up by an expansion team for the second year in a row.
Ella Shelton (D, Toronto Sceptres)
Would the Toronto Sceptres really leave Ella Shelton unprotected? GM Gina Kingsbury has some tough decisions to make, but there’s a strong possibility the 28-year-old is left vulnerable. Shelton is coming off a down season in Toronto, amidst what was a poor year offensively for the whole roster. If she’s available, expect her to be a top target for former Sceptres head coach and new San Jose GM/HC Troy Ryan, who is also familiar with Shelton from his time as Team Canada’s bench boss.
More from around women’s hockey
PWHLPA releases 2025-26 PWHL salary data by Melissa Burgess
The Montréal Victoire were never really cursed by Dylan Nazareth
Kris Sparre departing Fleet, named first coach of PWHL Hamilton by Lydia Murray
Who will be the next Toronto Sceptres Head Coach? by Melissa Burgess
Which PWHL free agents are due for a breakout season? Part Two by Geremy
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