Through four phases of expansion, the biggest hits to the Montréal Victoire have come on the blue line.
In Phase 2, 2026 Rookie of the Year finalist Nicole Gosling signed with PWHL Hamilton, while 2024 Defender of the Year Erin Ambrose inked a contract with PWHL Las Vegas. This past season, Gosling led the Victoire with 21:17 TOI/GP and finished tied for third in rookie scoring league-wide with 19 points. Ambrose missed a third of the season with an injury, but continued to be a key veteran presence on the blue line in her third year with the team.
The order of the 2026 PWHL Entry Draft has still not been announced. As regular season leaders and Walter Cup champions, Montréal will pick, at best, eighth overall. If the league puts expansion teams higher in the order, they will end up with their first selection being at 12th.
Montréal’s Defensive Needs
The Victoire curently have defenders Kati Tabin, Maggie Flaherty, and Jessica DiGirolamo under contract for the 2026-27 season. They also hold the rights to 2025 draft pick Tamara Giaquinto. Additionally, Amanda Boulier and Nadia Mattivi are unrestricted free agents who could still re-sign.
That remaining blue line boasts decent shutdown defenders and some offensive production. But the loss of Gosling and Ambrose means the loss of two major play drivers who played a big role on special teams. To contend again next season, Montréal will need to bring in a young puck-moving blueliner who can play those crucial minutes.
Possible Targets
Without the draft order or a clear understanding of the needs of expansion teams heading into the draft, it’s hard to say at this point who the Victoire may opt to target with their first-round pick. Two top names to watch are University of Minnesota’s Nelli Laitinen and Ohio State’s Emma Peschel, though they will both likely be gone by the time Montréal picks.
Outside of those two, here are some players to keep an eye as possible targets for the Victoire:
Jules Constantinople (Northeastern)
Constantinople played top minutes this past season with the Huskies, tallying seven goals and 24 points in 39 games. Her strong play helped the team to its first Frozen Four finish in three years. She could be the Gosling replacement the Victoire are looking for.
As The Ice Garden‘s Emma Sullivan writes: “Throughout four years at Northeastern, Constantinople has developed into one of the most well-rounded players in HEA. A puck-moving, offensive defender, the former Husky spent four years on Huntington Avenue and over time became a cornerstone to NU’s defensive structure.”
Sydney Morrow (Minnesota)
An offence-first defender who has been touted as a top blueliner for some time leading up to this draft. Last season, the 5-foot-7 skater had eight goals and 38 points in 39 games with the Gophers. At the same time, Morrow’s shutdown abilities leave something to be desired, and she will likely need some time to adjust to facing the top forwards in the pros.
Vivian Jungels (Wisconsin)
Jungels flew somewhat under the radar this year considering the wealth of talent in Wisconsin. Still, her consistency and strong defensive play impressed, especially as the team was missing key players throughout the Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old had four goals and 21 points in 39 games this season. Jungels would be a solid two-way addition for Montréal, with a proven ability to drive play while also locking down the defensive zone.
Other names to watch: Sara Swiderski (Ohio State), Megan McKay (Clarkson), Grace Dwyer (Cornell)
The 2026 PWHL Entry Draft kicks off this Wednesday, June 17 at 5 p.m. ET.
