Things have been quiet on the PWHL front lately, but a lot has already happened this offseason between the draft and ongoing free agency. Spots will likely remain open on all teams through training camp, but the bulk of next season’s rosters is coming into focus, so it’s time to look at where each team stands. First, we’ll look at where everyone from last year’s roster is before moving on to the new faces and remaining roster spots. In the fourth installment of this series, a retooling New York team takes center stage.
All signing information is according to TIG’s roster tracker. Camp invite details are from a master spreadsheet by The Score’s Kyle Cushman unless otherwise noted.
Last Year’s Roster
Still Had Term
Forwards
- Alex Carpenter
- Jade Downie-Landry
- Abby Roque
- Jessie Eldridge
- Chloé Aurard
- Élizabeth Giguère
- Jill Saulnier
Defenders
- Ella Shelton
- Micah Zandee-Hart
- Jaime Bourbonnais
- Brooke Hobson
While New York was guaranteed to return most of their important players, help was needed across the board after a season where little went right for them. However, given they had no goaltenders under contract, re-signing at least Corinne Schroeder–who kept them in games they shouldn’t have been in–was the top priority.
Re-Signings
Goaltenders
- Abigail Levy
- Corinne Schroeder
Luckily for New York, GM Pascal Daoust was able to bring Schroeder and Levy back into the fold. Schroeder earned herself a two-year deal, while Levy inked a new one-year contract. However, that’s where the re-signings have stopped for New York, which is not a big surprise given the rumors of camaraderie issues. Schroeder’s contract is guaranteed since she signed during the exclusive negotiation window, while Levy signed on the opening day of free agency so hers is not.
Free Agents
Forwards
- Paetyn Levis
- Savannah Norcross
- Kayla Vespa
- Madison Packer
- Alexa Gruschow
Defenders
- Taylor Baker
- Carley Olivier
- Olivia Zafuto
Goaltenders
- Lindsey Post
One of New York’s would-be free agents, forward Emma Woods, signed a new deal with PWHL Toronto. Another, forward Alexandra Labelle, is attending Montréal’s camp. Meanwhile, defender Johanna Fällman decided to return overseas and signed with Luleå. As for the rest, Baker and Norcross are currently the only two confirmed to attend camp.
Draftees/New Faces
2024 New York Draft Class
- Round 1, Pick 1: Sarah Fillier (F)
- Round 2, Pick 10: Maja Nylén Persson (D)
- Round 3, Pick 13: Noora Tulus (F)
- Round 3, Pick 16: Allyson Simpson (D)
- Round 4, Pick 19: Gabby Rosenthal (F)
- Round 5, Pick 25: Elle Hartje (F)
- Round 5, Pick 28: Kayle Osborne (G)
- Round 6, Pick 31: Emmy Fecteau (F)
New York drafted the most players out of any team after trading picks #7 and #37 to Boston for picks #10, #16, and #28. Check out my colleague J Gray’s recap here for a more in-depth look at the new draftees. So far, Osborne, Persson, and Tulus have signed contracts, with Osborne and Persson signing on for three years and Tulus for two.
New York has made no free agent signings this offseason, but they have recruited two outside players as camp invites. Former Montréal defender Madison Bizal will come to New York’s camp to fight for a spot. Undrafted free agent defender Chayla Edwards has also accepted an invite to New York’s camp, making them the only undrafted player from this year’s class to be confirmed as a camp invite.
Remaining Roster Spots
Right now, New York is tied with Minnesota for the most open roster spots. There are 16 players currently under contract for next season, with eight forwards, five defenders, and three goaltenders signed to full deals. That leaves seven main roster spots plus three reserve slots open. So, assuming a standard roster construction, expect those seven remaining spots to be filled by five forwards and two defenders.
If all the unsigned draftees attend camp plus the two confirmed invites, New York still needs to sign or invite three more players to fill all their slots, plus a few extras to create competition. Given the new coach and the need to change their culture, don’t expect many–if any–more signings until camp opens so they can see how players fit in before committing to them. That said, New York should be an attractive place for players to try out given the number of spots open and how they appear to be turning the tides after a rocky season on and off the ice. So, while there’s still work to be done, Daoust has done a good job of righting the ship so far this offseason and shouldn’t have too much trouble filling out his roster as camps draw closer.