The PWHL’s four-team expansion is underway, with a whole lot of player movement through the first two phases of the process. In Phase 2, the expansion teams made their inaugural signings. Now, Phase 3 (which runs from June 10-12) will give existing teams a chance to sign and protect three more players. For the Montréal Victoire, it’s an opportunity for the reigning Walter Cup champions to retain some key pieces after notable losses.
Here’s a look at where the Victoire stand at this point in the expansion process, and a look at who they may sign or protect in Phase 3 (see full expansion updates with our roster tracker here).
Phase 2 Losses
Existing contracts lost: F Hayley Scamurra (PWHL Las Vegas), D Nicole Gosling (PWHL Hamilton)
Expiring contracts lost: D Erin Ambrose (PWHL Las Vegas)
Montréal’s blue line was hit hard in Phase 2 of expansion. They lost 2025 first-round pick Nicole Gosling and 2024 Defender of the Year Erin Ambrose. Gosling was a breakout player for the team in her rookie year, playing a team-highest 21:17 TOI/GP and tallying 19 points––the third most on the team. The 24-year-old has also been named a finalist for Rookie of the Year. Ambrose, meanwhile, has been a staple of Montréal’s blue line since the team’s inaugural season. Despite dealing with an injury this season, she still played a key role, and her veteran experience and leadership will be hard to replace.
The Victoire also lost forward Hayley Scamurra to Las Vegas. Scamurra had a career-best season in Montréal while centring the team’s third line, tallying eight points and eight assists. She added two goals and two assists in the postseason. Scamurra was the only player this season to win an Olympic Gold medal and the Walter Cup.
Note: Through phases 2-4, existing teams can only lose four contracted players. Montréal has lost two to this point.
Current Roster
Existing contracts: F Marie-Philip Poulin*, F Laura Stacey*, F Shiann Darkangelo, F Catherine Dubois, F Lina Ljungblom, D Kati Tabin, D Jessica DiGirolamo, G Ann-Renée Desbiens*
UFAs: F Abby Roque, F Maureen Murphy, F Dara Greig, F Jade Downie-Landry, F Alexandra Labelle, F Kaitlin Willoughby, D Maggie Flaherty, D Amanda Boulier, D Nadia Mattivi, G Sandra Abstreiter, G Megan Warrener
RFAs: F Natálie Mlýnková, F Skylar Irving, F Maya Labad, D Tamara Giaquinto
Phase 3 Protection Predictions
Predictions: D Kati Tabin, F Abby Roque (re-sign), D Maggie Flaherty (re-sign)
In Phase 3, Montréal general manager Danièle Sauvageau can hold onto three more players––either by protecting players on existing contracts or re-signing those on expiring deals.
Among players on existing contracts, the only lock for protection is defender Kati Tabin. After losing Gosling and Ambrose, Montréal will need Tabin to play top minutes next season and lead their new-look blue line. Tabin has been with the Victoire since their inaugural season and has continued to grow her game each year.
Beyond Tabin, the Victoire will likely be keen to use their remaining two protection slots to re-sign forward Abby Roque and defender Maggie Flaherty. Roque became a staple of the team’s top line this season alongside Poulin and Stacey. She finished tied for first in points on the team in the regular season (22) and playoffs (8). Meanwhile, Flaherty was another key part of Montréal’s blue line, especially in the postseason. The 26-year-old tallied three goals and an assist in the playoffs, becoming the only PWHL player to win the Walter Cup three times.
Other Considerations
At this point in expansion, players on expiring contracts control their fate completely, and can decide to sign wherever they choose. Sauvageau may feel confident Roque and/or Flaherty intend to re-sign in Montréal, and could opt to use her remaining protection slot(s) on players with existing contracts. Roque and Flaherty may also decide to sign elsewhere or wait for other offers in the opening signing period.
In either case, if Roque and/or Flaherty are off the table, there are some other names to keep an eye on. Sauvageau has been clear she’s a big fan of Lina Ljungblom, a young forward with lots of room still to grow. Montréal’s GM may also have eyes on preserving more of the blue line, in which case Amanda Boulier or Jessica DiGirolamo are likely top candidates.
